The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Chapter 19: I left, Again.

"Why?" I demanded, my voice trembling. "Why, Khai? Please, just help me understand-why did you allow this to happen? Why did you let go that easily? Why?"

I searched her face for answers, for something-anything-to explain the gaping wound she left in my life.

But Khai, ever composed, didn't flinch. She just held my gaze, her expression unreadable-until she finally spoke, her voice low and deliberate.

"If there is one thing I regret in my whole existence," she said, "it was the moment I let go of you."

My breath hitched.

"But," she continued, and I hated the weight in her tone, the finality of it, "I would do it again if it means you're happy. If it means you're having the best time of your life... I'll do it again."

Her words felt like a dagger to my chest. Because of all the things I wanted to hear from her, this was not one of them.

I felt the air leave my lungs, my chest tightening with a painful mix of frustration and heartbreak.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as the weight of her words crashed over me.

"Fuck you, Khai!" My voice trembled, but it was laced with anger, with hurt. "You know I waited for you! I waited for you, Khai!"

She didn't move, didn't say a word. Just stood there, her expression unreadable, as if she had already made peace with this moment-like she had expected it.

That only made it worse.

I turned on my heel, storming out of the room. My hands moved on their own, gathering my things with frantic energy, as if leaving fast enough would erase the ache in my chest.

As I stepped out, my eyes landed on her again.

Khai was standing in the middle of the living room, frozen in place. Her shoulders were stiff, her hands curled into fists at her sides. She wasn't looking at me. Instead, her gaze was locked on the floor, as if staring hard enough could stop whatever storm was raging inside her.

But she didn't stop me.

She didn't call my name.

She didn't ask me to stay.

So I left.

Again.

***

I shut my eyes for a moment, my head still throbbing from the hangover as I took a deep breath. The scent of Khai's pajamas lingered on my skin—a mix of fresh linen and something distinctly hers. I needed to shake this off. I needed to focus. Today was important. I had to be at the venue for the last rehearsal by 2:30 PM.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Surprise!"

I turned to see Louise standing at the doorway, grinning as she held up a garment bag. She stepped inside, kicking the door shut behind her. "Look what just got delivered. Your dress."

I sat up, rubbing my temples. "Lou, not so loud."

She ignored me and laid the bag across the bed, unzipping it with a dramatic flourish. "Ta-da! Your Maid of Honor dress, crafted to perfection," she said, running her fingers over the smooth silk. The dusty rose and indigo blue fabric shimmered under the light, elegant and breathtaking.

I tried to muster excitement, but my head felt like it was being hammered from the inside.

Louise turned to me, hands on her hips, her sharp eyes narrowing. "So," she drawled, "where were you last night?"