Page 38 of The Lie

My throat tightens at the word sweetheart. I’ve secretly loved it every time he’s called me that, but right now, it hurts. That doesn’t seem to stop me from reading the next one.

Poppy,

I wasn’t trying to fix you.

I wasn’t trying to buy you.

I just wanted one less thing weighing on your shoulders.

I apologise if that’s how I made you feel.

Bennett.

He’s right. That’s exactly what it felt like. Like he was trying to fix me … like I could be bought. He has figured out exactly how he made me feel without me having to voice the words.

A small ray of hope bubbles up inside me as I move to the third card.

Poppy,

You’re probably sick of seeing flowers waiting for you when you get home, but I’m going to keep sending them anyway.

Not because I think they’ll change your mind, but because I need you to know I’m still here.

That I still care.

Bennett.

There’s no pleading, just certainty. He’s made peace with being shut out, but he’s not giving up. I sit with that thought for a moment, as the tip of my finger lingers over the final words. I still care.

Poppy,

Today I tried to call you, but you still haven’t unblocked me.

I don’t blame you.

I just hope you’ll eventually let me explain.

I don’t want to lose you over this. I’ll wait as long as it takes.

Bennett.

I don’t want to lose you.

After our night together, I wasn’t sure what it meant. Was it just a moment of passion? A one-night stand? I guess it wasn’t for him, and that realisation has tears stinging the back of my eyes.

As I remove the last card from its envelope, the ache in my chest sharpens with every word I read.

Poppy,

It’s been five long days without seeing your beautiful face or hearing your sweet voice.

I still wish I’d handled it differently, but I don’t regret wanting to help you.

My only regret is taking the choice away from you.

I miss you so much, sweetheart.

Bennett.