Daniel picked her up right at eight in the evening, dressed casually—like a man about to go on a date. Still, Caitlin felt like tonight was just some kind of bribe because he’d already slept with her. And really, what could she expect from that bastard?
She had hoped he’d say he loved her or something close to it, but instead, Daniel handed her a card. As if Caitlin were some kind of pet. How hard could it be to say I love you? Even if it was a lie, Caitlin would’ve been happy to hear that kind of nonsense.
She gave a faint smile when Daniel offered his arm for her to take, then opened the car door and gestured for her to get in. It felt like one of those Aaron Williams songs she’d been listening to since college—songs that made anyone feel like they were living a love story they never actually had. All of Aaron’s songs were easy on the ears and cast a certain spell on their listeners.
“Why are you smiling to yourself?” Daniel asked once the car was on the road.
“It’s nothing. I was just... thinking of a nickname that suits you.” Caitlin tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, unable to hold back a grin at her own amusement.
“What is it? Now I’m curious.”
“Sleeping Prince,” Caitlin said shyly.
Daniel burst out laughing. “But I wasn’t asleep that long or that soundly, Cat.”
“You said you could only sleep peacefully when I’m with you. So, I think it fits—Sleeping Prince.”
“Alright, if you say so.” Daniel chuckled.
They arrived at a movie theater. Caitlin had spent the entire day trying to decide where to take him, but her brain stopped working the moment she saw Daniel’s credit card on her desk. Besides, she didn’t want to go anywhere that once made her happy. No way was she going back to places she and Tobey used to visit and make memories in.
There weren’t many movies that caught their attention. Daniel scanned the posters and tonight’s showtimes. He rested his chin on a hand, his thumb and forefinger forming a check mark as he thought hard about what to watch. Caitlin didn’t really care what they’d watch. She just wanted to be alone with Daniel.
“What do you want to see, Cat?” he asked, his brows knit together.
“Cartoon movie?” she teased.
Daniel turned to her with disbelief, clearly doubting her childish choice. He then slung an arm around her and pointed at a title. Caitlin frowned as she read it—it sounded like one of those films overloaded with adult scenes.
“Daniel, you can’t just treat me however you like just because I’m holding your card,” Caitlin snapped.
Daniel laughed. “Relax, Cat! I’m kidding. Besides, I prefer the real thing over tutorials. These kinds of movies don’t really do it for me.”
Caitlin pouted. “Joke or not, it feels like that’s all you think about when you’re with me.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. “Let’s just go with that space movie. It’s probably boring, and no one else will want to see it,” he said in defeat.
Caitlin laughed, and they walked to the ticket booth. There wasn’t much of a line; they got their tickets easily. With an hour to kill before the movie started, Caitlin dragged Daniel to the food stands on the lower floor.
Lately, she’d been hungrier than usual—thanks to the pregnancy. Normally, she could go a whole day on just one meal at work. Sometimes just water when her finances were tight. And honestly, she didn’t usually crave food when work stress piled up.
“My girlfriend eats a lot, huh?” Daniel teased, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her.
That made Caitlin set down her fries and immediately sip some water. She thumped her upper chest with a fist, nearly choking from the sudden embarrassment. She lowered her head in shame, then looked up with a sheepish smile.
“I haven’t eaten anything all day,” Caitlin admitted.
She’d been thinking about Daniel the whole time. Where was this relationship heading? How could she make him stay? Did every toxic relationship come with this kind of fear? Caitlin always felt like she was on the edge of a cliff whenever they brushed up against topics Daniel didn’t want to open up about. To this day, she still didn’t know what he did for a living. Strange, wasn’t it?
Caitlin checked her messages and noticed the date. She blinked a few times—today was the day that used to feel special every single year. Tobey’s birthday! She used to try to be the first to wish him a happy birthday. But why should it still be special now? No. Caitlin had to make it a bad memory for him this time.
“Stay healthy and humble—healthy, my ass. I hope you drop dead. Bastard,” Caitlin muttered bitterly. Those disgusting words never failed to make their way into her so-called well wishes for that wretched man.
“What was that, Cat?” Daniel asked, confused.
Caitlin sighed, then turned to him with a sudden idea—one she hadn’t planned at all.
“Can I borrow your car for a bit? I have something urgent to do.”
She took the car keys from the table and left without another word, not giving Daniel any kind of explanation. Suddenly, she was seething—angry at herself for ever falling in love with Tobey. But she knew exactly where to go. Tobey would definitely be there.
“Cat!” Daniel called out.
But Caitlin didn’t even look back. She was practically running to his car, heading straight for the road that was starting to fill with traffic. She gripped the wheel tightly, her eyes fixed ahead like lasers. Angry—furious.
“I’ll wish him a happy birthday,” she said.
She remembered that dark day clearly—last year’s birthday. She’d made a habit of always doing something special for him. A love letter. A song. Usually, something romantic or one of Aaron Williams or Gary Addison’s hits—both artists she adored.
After the breakup, Caitlin dug around to learn more about Tobey’s affair. The woman had once posted a photo of Daniel with the caption Keep strong!—and Daniel had replied in the comments: You too, babe. Let’s stay strong together. You and me. Caitlin wanted to vomit remembering it.
“You’re like a book I never get tired of reading, a book I want to reread again and again until the final page,” Caitlin quoted one of Tobey’s old letters. She later found out he’d written the exact same line to the other woman.
“Asshole. You should’ve been a poet instead of a teacher. I pity your students—they think you’re such a decent man, when really, you’re a fucking creep!” she shouted, her voice full of venom.
She slammed the gas pedal harder, making the car speed up. To her, crashing into something was better than letting Tobey live happily. She would never forgive him—not ever. He had wrecked her heart, cost her a livelihood, and now he wanted to move on and enjoy life? Not a chance. Not as long as Caitlin was still breathing.
“You’re going to remember this birthday as the most unforgettable gift of your life,” Caitlin muttered with a wicked smile.