I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. But before I could respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, his eyes lighting up. “I’ve got to take this,” he said, stepping away from me and answering the call.
“Hey, Cassie,” he said, his tone suddenly playful, the kind of voice he reserved for people he enjoyed being around. My heart sank as I realized just who he was talking to.
I couldn’t stand it. I turned my back to him, trying to block out the sound of his laughter as he chatted with her, his carefree tone grating against my raw nerves. The betrayal felt like a dagger twisting in my chest.
“Yeah, I’ll be there in a bit,” he said, glancing back at me. “Just gotta wrap things up here. See you soon.”
I felt sick. He was leaving me for her, and I could do nothing but stand there, paralyzed by pain and fury. Derek hung up and walked back toward me, his expression indifferent.
“Sorry, babe. Duty calls. I’ll be home later,” he said, as if that made everything okay.
“Home? Is that what you call this place now?” I snapped, feeling my throat tighten. “You’re just going to walk out on me again? After everything?”