Emerie sat in the lounge , a blank engagement card before her . The pen trembled in her hand . Five attempts , each ending when the nib barely touched the paper after tracing " Wish " . " Wish them what ? " She whispered to herself . " A lifetime together ? Forgetting me completely ? " Her fingers stiffened . Ink slashed across the card before she tossed it into the wastebasket . Her phone buzzed . A notification glowed : Sunset Care Center : Final Confirmation Reminder . Retain original plan ? Execution : Friday 8 PM . Her gaze blurred over the words . She hit redial . " Emerie , Sunset Care Center Procedures Department . Confirm autonomous peaceful termination at scheduled time : Friday 8 PM . " " Confirmed . " " Understood . Video will , trust transfer , and remains processing will initiate simultaneously . Settle personal affairs be- forehand . Revocation permitted until 4 PM Friday . " " No need . " " Very well . Your dignity and wishes will be honored . " After hanging up , her fingers dug into the table edge . The unfinished card glared white against the wood . Eyes hardening , she grabbed her bag and strode from the studio . At the parking lot , she collided with Andrew emerging from his car . " Where to ? " he asked . " Grabbing food . " " I'll drive . " 0.0 % 00:05 Chapter 4 " No need . " He watched her walk away , then followed in his car . She entered the diner where they'd pulled all - nighters for their first ad pitch . Sliding into the window booth , she ordered two identical meals . Andrew sat across from her , observing her slow bites . " You've been off lately . " " How ? " " Evading conversations . Delaying decisions . Keeping distance . " " Isn't that what you wanted ? " " No. " His gaze tightened . " Know your top three phrases this month ? " She remained silent . " No need . I'm fine . Leaving now . " Her spoon froze . " Hiding something ? " he pressed . " No. " She resumed eating . " Are you leaving ? " She looked up . " I'm right here , aren't I ? " " You just stopped caring . " He opened his mouth but found no right to question . She paid and stood . " Final setup's tomorrow . I'll wrap things up . " " And after ? " " After ? " She turned . " After is goodbye . " " 1 Late that night , Emerie transferred all work files and wiped her drives . She named her final project : The Last Frame . 55.7 % 00:05 288 Vouchers Chapter 5