Chapter 2

2.

I sat on the sofa all night, staring at the stars through the window.

I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Selena's flushed face as she lay in Jasper's bed.

I tried not to care, but letting go of three years of devotion doesn't happen in a heartbeat.

As the sun began to peek over the horizon, I put on my coat and walked out the door.

Near the flower beds downstairs, I ran right into the two of them.

Jasper saw me first. He raised a provocative eyebrow and pulled Selena closer.

He turned a quick peck into a deep, performative kiss right in front of me.

My hands balled into fists. I had to fight the urge to break his jaw.

I turned to walk away, my heart pounding in my ears.

"Wyatt! Get back here!" Selena barked.

I stopped but didn't turn around. She stumbled toward me, smelling like cheap tequila and expensive perfume.

"What the hell did you say to Jasper last night?" she demanded.

I looked at her, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Her face darkened instantly. She reached out and slapped me hard across the cheek.

"Stop playing dumb! Jasper couldn't sleep all night after your call. He insisted on driving me home before dawn."

"I just spent one night at a friend's house. Do you have to be such a dramatic prick?" she spat.

I ran my tongue over my aching cheek and looked at Jasper, who was smirking.

"Mr. Sterling, aren't you going to explain the situation to her?" I asked calmly.

Jasper's smug expression faltered for a second. He hadn't expected me to be so composed.

He cleared his throat and walked over to Selena, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Selena, honey, you've got it wrong. Wyatt didn't really say anything mean."

"I just felt like we should be careful. I didn't want people spreading rumors about us being alone together," he lied smoothly.

"Who would dare spread rumors!" Selena's voice rose, her eyes boring into mine.

The threat was loud and clear.

I didn't argue. She grabbed Jasper's hand, her voice dripping with disdain for me.

"We grew up together. What's wrong with a little get-together after so long?"

"So what if we stayed in the same room? If Jasper wanted me, I would've been his years ago. Some people just don't know their place."

Jasper couldn't hide his triumphant grin as she spoke.

"Enough!"

My heart was already in pieces. I had reached my limit.

I used to think that even if she wasn't passionate, she still loved me in her own way. I thought marrying her would be the highlight of my life.

Now I realized it was all a pathetic fantasy. I was the only one in this relationship.

Without another word, Selena hopped back into Jasper's car.

The exhaust fumes hit my face as the engine roared and they sped away.

I watched them until they disappeared from sight, then I got into my own car.

I spent the morning driving aimlessly, trying to settle my mind.

Once I felt numb enough, I headed to the office.

I had two weeks left. I needed to wrap up my projects and hand everything over.

I organized all my files and sat down with my colleague to explain the trickier parts of the transition.

When I noticed him spacing out, I tapped his desk. "Did you catch that? I can go over it again."

Jared looked at me, his expression a mix of pity and confusion.

"You're such a good guy, Wyatt. I don't get why Selena doesn't see that."

"Is it true? Are you really moving to London because of her? Tell me the truth―are you ever coming back?"

I froze for a second, then gave him a casual smile. "Maybe not."

Jared had known Selena since they were kids. Her parents had actually wanted them to get married once.

But they had zero chemistry, so it never happened.

Since he found out I was her boyfriend, he'd dropped hints about Jasper. He'd asked me how much I really knew about their 'friendship.'

Back then, I told him they were just childhood friends. He had gone silent for a long time before telling me not to love her too much.

When I asked why, he just joked that she was too pretty and would break my heart.

I remembered my response vividly. I had been so arrogant.

"Selena and I are great. That won't happen. Just make sure you're ready for the wedding!"

Looking back, those words were a joke. I was the punchline.