CHAPTER 42

CASEY'S POV

I stood there, my hands still in the water, when I heard Eric's footsteps returning.

He's coming back. I thought within me, quickly wiping my tears before he could see them.

"Casey, I'm going to leave like you asked," Eric said from behind me, his voice quiet.

I kept my back to him, not trusting myself to turn around without breaking down completely.

"But I want you to know that you're important to me. Very important," Eric continued softly.

I gripped the edge of the basin tighter, fighting the urge to turn around and look at him.

"I truly love you, Casey. And I'm not just...