el

oad. The hum of the engine was a constant, low vibration that seemed to seep into my bones, and the occasiona

ly fleeting glimpses of the road ahead. I stared out the window, watching it all pass by, my breath fogging the glass slightly. I didn't know where this bus was taking me, didn't know what w

ts swirled in a chaotic loop, a tangled mess of emotions-guilt, relief, fear, and something else I couldn't quite name. I'd done it. I'd actually done it. I had run away from my wedding, from my parents' ex

Eth

e, patient when I'd been distant, understanding when I'd been unsure. And yet, I hadn't been able to face him. Not today. Maybe not ever. The memory of his face, his perfect, composed smile, hovered

a beat as I tried to reorient myself. The dimly lit interior of the bus was nearly empty, sparse and quiet. A middle-aged woman sat near the front, knitting with slow, deliberate movements

was trying to make himself invisible. But as the bus hit another bump, his hood slipped back slightly, revealing sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and messy dark hair that looked like it ha

ch me staring. His dark eyes locked onto mine, and a faint smirk tugged at the co

ce low and smooth, with an edge of

t that he'd spoken to me at all. "What?" I said

ing back in his seat and crossing his arms over his chest. His smirk deepened as he tilted his head, studying me wi

a shield. "I'm fine," I said quickly, the lie tumbling out before I coul

ser to a grin. "Fine, huh?" he said, his tone teasing but not unkind. "People don't

e window in an effort to shut him out. "You don't know anything

idn't matter. "But I'm pretty good at reading people. And yo

s, anyway? I didn't owe him anything-not an explanation, not a conversation, nothing.

us, broken only by the hum of the engine and the occasional bump

op instead of on a bus in the middle of nowhere. I could hear the grin in his voice, and it annoyed me more than it sh

e he was daring me to engage. I kept my gaze fixed on the blur

ment, like he found my silence entertaining. He shifted in his seat, pulling hi

even as I tried to ignore him, I couldn't shake the feeling