From my hiding spot, I could see Jaxon pause, his face clouding with something like regret. For a moment, I let myself hope he felt even a sliver of the hurt he’d caused. The woman glanced up at him, concerned.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice soft.
He gave her a gentle smile, brushing it off like it was nothing. "Just thinking," he said, then led her inside.
I leaned against my car, my breath coming in shaky gasps as reality closed in.
He’d made his choice, and it wasn’t me. Clearly not me.
I watched in silence, hidden in the shadow of a nearby tree, as Jaxon and Amara laughed together, sharing little touches and stolen glances. My heart twisted painfully when I saw him slide our ring off his finger and tuck it casually into his pocket. It was as if he’d erased every promise, every memory, every word he’d ever said to me in one thoughtless move.