---- In the bedroom, there wasn't a single trace of me either. The closet was empty, and the vanity was spotless. It was as though I had never existed. Panic bubbled up inside him. He felt like something precious had vanished, and no matter how hard he looked, he'd never get it back. Right then, Ambrose's phone rang. It was Nellie. As soon as he answered, her sobs came through. "Kendrick's breaking up with me. Ambrose, will you come over? I don't want to be alone," she wailed. Ambrose massaged his temples in frustration. He quickly realized I had never cried like that. Unlike Nellie, who was fragile and constantly needed someone to lean on, I was strong and independent. Even if the world were to fall apart, I'd stay calm and find a way through. "Don't cry," he said in a weary voice. "Send me ---- the address. I'll come by later." The moment Ambrose hung up, he ordered his assistant, 'Find Talitha. I don't care how. Just find her!" Then, he slumped onto the couch. The image of me looped endlessly in his mind. Ihadn't expected Kendrick to be the first to find me. I was in the middle of a conversation with a customer, explaining the brushwork and use of color in a painting. When I turned around, I saw Kendrick watching me with amusement. He was looking at me like I was an exhibit ina museum.