The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

Khai's POV

It had been weeks since that night outside Rain's apartment, and I had made a promise to myself to honor her silence. I wouldn't push her anymore, wouldn't force her to face me if she didn't want to. I owed her that much.

Every day since then had been a test of my restraint. At work, I made sure to avoid her. I altered my schedule, stayed late, or came in early, all to make sure our paths didn't cross unnecessarily.

During meetings, I forced myself to focus on the agenda, never once allowing my eyes to wander to where she sat. It didn't matter how badly I wanted to steal a glance, to see if she was okay. My heart ached when I heard her voice, confident and steady as she presented her ideas. But I kept my gaze fixed on my notes or the presentation slides, my hands gripping the table so tightly my knuckles turned white.

The elevator rides were the hardest.

We'd often end up in the same car, the silence between us suffocating. I'd press myself into the corner, pretending to read emails on my phone, refusing to meet her eyes in the mirrored walls. I could feel her presence, though, like gravity pulling me closer even as I stayed rooted in place.

Every now and then, I'd catch the faint scent of her perfume, a cruel reminder of everything I had lost.

Rain's POV

I noticed it-the way Khai avoided me. She wouldn't look at me during meetings, wouldn't speak unless absolutely necessary. Even then, her words were curt and professional, devoid of the warmth I once knew.

In the elevator, she'd stand as far away as possible, her body stiff, her eyes glued to her phone. It was as if I didn't exist, as if I was just another colleague to her.

It hurt.

I hated how much it hurt.

I told myself this was what I wanted, that this distance was for the best. But deep down, every time she avoided my gaze, it felt like a fresh wound.

The worst part was how much I missed her. Her laugh, her teasing remarks, the way she'd call me Babe in that soft, affectionate tone. Even now, when I caught glimpses of her, I couldn't stop my heart from racing.

But I reminded myself of her betrayal, of the pain she caused me.

Khai's POV

One afternoon, during a quarterly review meeting, I felt Rain's gaze on me. It was subtle, fleeting, but it was there. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I almost looked up, almost let myself meet her eyes.

But I didn't.

Instead, I scribbled nonsense in my notebook, anything to distract myself.

When the meeting ended, I lingered, letting everyone else leave first. I needed to catch my breath, to steady the storm raging inside me.

Every time I saw her, it was like reopening an old wound. But this was my punishment, wasn't it? To love her from a distance, knowing I'd ruined any chance of getting her back.

As I walked out of the conference room, I spotted her at the end of the hall, speaking with Therese. She laughed at something Therese said, and for a brief moment, I let myself admire her.

She was beautiful, radiant even, and I hated myself for ruining the happiness we once had.

I turned away before she could notice me, heading straight for my office.

Rain's POV

I saw her leaving the conference room, her head down, her steps hurried.

I hated how seeing her like that still made my chest ache.