After I Left, His Empire Collapsed Chapter 42

After I Left, His Empire Collapsed Chapter 42

A week passed. No sign of Dylan.

I figured he’d finally given up. Probably flew back to the States.

Then, one evening after work, I came home with groceries. Planning a nice dinner for Leo. A thank-you for everything.

The kitchen light was on. The smell of something simmering.

Leo had been begging me to teach him to cook. I smiled. He must’ve come early. A surprise.

I unlocked the door quietly. Planning to sneak up on him.

But it wasn’t Leo at the stove.

It was Dylan.

He was wearing an old hoodie. My college graduation gift to him. Carefully plating the last dish.

He saw me. Flinched. Then forced a smile.

“Vanessa. You’re back.”

“Long day. I made your favorites. Don’t read into it. I just wanted to say goodbye. Properly.”

“You used to love my cooking. Remember?”

I looked at the table. Buffalo wings. Mac and cheese. Heavy. Spicy. Greasy.

Once, I did love that food. In those long work years, even leftovers reheated by him felt like a gift.

But he’d forgotten. Or never noticed. The years I gave his company had wrecked my body. Stomach problems. Medication. Nothing rich or spicy anymore.

Years together. He didn’t know.

I picked up the first plate. Dropped it in the trash. Then the next. All of it.

“Ten seconds. Get out of my apartment.”

“Or I call the police. Breaking and entering.”