Part of her understands that this would be the easier option. Just go with it, live with the dull comfortableness of their relationship rather than face the pain of breaking up. The hurt is already flowing through her veins. She forces herself to breathe. ‘Don’t come back, Drew. Stay here. Tell Parko you can teach until the end of the year, like you wanted.’

That is what he wants. They both know this is the life he’s supposed to be living. But still he says, ‘I don’t want to break up.’ His face is crumbling, pleading with her to not put him through it.

Except Darcy believes otherwise. ‘You just haven’t realised it yet.’

He doesn’t know what to say to that. But there’s no escaping the truth. She’s a career girl, she’ll stay in the city, she might even be okay with never having kids. Now that she’s given him the out, Drew will stay here in the country and be happy. The fresh country air, the small town and sense of community will offer him everything he wants. He’ll marry of course and have kids and even though the idea of him being with someone else stings her heart, she knows one day she’ll be able to smile about it.

‘So, you just swung by on your way back to Sydney to break up with me?’ He’s not being malicious, just saddened as he’s slumped himself at the kitchen table, knowing the decision has been made.

‘I didn’t want to do it over the phone.’

He nods, his mouth twisting, quite possibly to stop himself from crying.

Darcy wants to tell him that they can still be friends, but she knows that will end up being a lie. She wants to tell him that she’ll always remember him. But instead she tells herself to shut up.

And so, there’s silence.

Even though it’s not uncomfortable, there’s a feeling in the air that they need to carefully step through these next moments. For one word, one look could have a colossal effect on how their relationship ends.

‘You should have this back.’ She twists the beautiful engagement ring from her finger.

He waves it away. ‘Keep it.’

She shakes her head. ‘I can’t.’ For that would be a reminder of a life she could have had, a life she chose not to have, and she doesn’t want to let herself dwell on the past. She settles it on the table next to his hands. His very familiar hands that will no longer touch her. ‘I’ll miss you.’

He looks up and nods. ‘I already do.’

Chapter 48

48

‘It’s completely live?’ Ty asks. ‘They don’t review footage or anything before it’s broadcast?’