The Hollow Goodbye

Valentin’s POV

I walked out of the suite before I could change my mind. Every step down the corridor felt like a punishment I’d earned long ago, one that finally came to claim its due. The carpet muffled my footsteps, but the sound still seemed too loud in my head, echoing off the walls with a rhythm that reminded me of her voice cracking as she begged me not to put up walls between us. I didn’t l