I met both of their eyes before turning to Nathan. “I don’t ever want to have anything to do with either of you again.”
I turned my back and walked inside the apartment, leaving the smoke curling behind me like the last trace of a life I would never return to.
I had hoped that after I burned everything, they would finally leave me alone. But they didn’t.
Days slipped by, and gradually, Nathan started acting as if nothing had happened. Flowers arrived at my door again. His texts were sweet, casual—asking about my day, sending little jokes, even attempting a quick kiss when our paths crossed outside the building. It was like the past weeks had vanished into thin air.
Gabriel followed suit, stepping back into his “big brother” role. Coffee deliveries, reminiscing about old times, easy jokes. Every time they said, “We’re sorry. Let’s make this right,” it sounded less like an apology for betrayal and neglect and more like an excuse for a stubbed toe.
Then came the surprise dinner.
“Our treat,” Nathan texted. “The old spot. You remember.”