Chapter 16
Micah had spoken to Robert over the phone. Though Robert had dodged his questions, he was certain that Lena was with him. That gave him a starting point, and soon, he had tracked her down.
He wanted to bring something sentimental to win Lena back–something that carried their shared memories–but his empty house mocked him. Only then did he realize how blind he’d been.
Lena’s things were gone, and he hadn’t even noticed. Worse of all, he couldn’t find a single photo of them together after years of marriage.
Micah found the university where Lena was studying. He’d grown visibly worn over the past few days, clutching a bouquet as he stood outside the campus, mentally rehearsing what he’d say to her.
Steeling himself, he walked in.
“Is the art department’s exhibit all set up?”
“I heard Caleb from the biology department is there too.”
“Isn’t he pursuing Lena? I see him hanging around the art building all the time.”
Micah overheard two students rushing past. He hadn’t paid them much mind until Lena’s name hit him like a jolt. He spun around and caught up to them. “Hey, do you know Lena? Where is she?” His voice carried a desperate edge.
The students eyed his odd behavior, ignored him, and kept walking.
Micah didn’t hesitate and trailed close behind.
The art building was packed, and a sea of students blocked his view. Nevertheless, he pushed through, determined to see what was happening.
There, in the center, were Lena and Caleb.
Micah’s eyes fixed on Caleb. He was steadily holding onto Lena by the waist as she balanced on a ladder to hang a painting. She didn’t seem to mind his touch and even looked at ease.
The sight of Caleb’s hand on her burned into Micah’s vision, and a surge of rage shot through him. Without hesitation, he dropped the flowers and charged, grabbing Caleb’s collar and swinging a fist at his face.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
As the punch landed, the ladder wobbled, and Lena’s face tightened with fear.
Caleb ignored Micah, rushing to help Lena down safely. After making sure she was safe, he immediately turned and punched Micah back.
Micah, older and worn down, crumpled to the floor. He struggled to get up as Caleb wiped blood from his lip, ready to swing again.
But Lena grabbed his arm and stopped him.
Micah staggered to his feet, scrambling for the scattered flowers. “Baby, these are for you,” he said, holding them out to her.
Lena’s eyes flashed with disgust as she stepped back, pulling Caleb to leave.
“Baby, I was wrong. I’m sorry,” Micah pleaded, reaching for her.
Caleb shoved him back to the ground. Meanwhile, Lena didn’t spare him a glance and simply walked away with Caleb’s hand in hers.
