Mark noticed immediately, his face going pale for a split second before he scowled, his voice defensive. "Jane, it’s not what you think. I haven’t... I haven’t used that."
"Not what I think?" I asked, my voice rising as I held up the evidence. "How long, Mark? How long have you been lying to me? And don’t you dare say it’s nothing!"
He opened his mouth to respond, but the words seemed to die on his lips. His eyes flicked to the side, avoiding mine and I knew. I knew he had no defense. My body felt weak, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't do this anymore.
"Enough." I pushed open the car door, stepping out onto the sidewalk. "I’m done, Mark."
As I turned to walk away, I heard him slam his fists against the steering wheel, shouting something incoherent behind me. But I didn’t look back. Not this time.
I dragged my suitcase down the street, heading for the nearest hotel. The pain in my body from the procedure still lingered, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. When I reached the hotel counter, I handed over my card, only to have it handed back to me with a frown from the clerk.
"I’m sorry, ma’am, but it seems your card has been frozen."
Frozen. Of course. Mark’s way of trying to force me to come crawling back. I bit down on my lip to hold back the tears of frustration. I pulled out whatever cash I had left in my purse, but it wasn’t enough for even one night. I sighed and stepped back out into the night air, my mind racing with what to do next.
"Miss, excuse me," a voice called out, making me pause. I turned to see a young man with a camera slung over his shoulder. He looked nervous but earnest as he approached. "I... I know this is out of the blue, but would you mind participating in a quick street photography shoot? We’re doing a project and I can pay you for your time."
My initial reaction was to say no, but the truth was, I needed the money. I gave him a weak smile and nodded. "Sure."
As we wrapped up the shoot, the boy came over, beaming as he scrolled through the photos. "Wow, you have such a natural elegance. You could be a model, honestly. Has no one ever tried to recruit you?"