Jack," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. Tears rolled down my

ked it, trying to give me his usual confident smile. But it wasn't the s

ar the unease beneath it, the way his words didn't quite match the

cheeks, hot and stinging. "I overheard Marcus, Jack. I heard you talking. Abou

a change within him-a hint of guilt, perhaps-but it vanish

ching out for my arm, but I jerked away,

his? How could you make me believe everything was real? That we had something real? I loved

barely above a murmur. "I neve

. "You knew exactly what you were doing. You

ackground. Jack seemed to be struggling with something-whether it was his guilt or the need t

is everyt

confusion and concern. She must have seen the turmoil on my face, hear

ashing in them. Beatrice had always been protective of me, and I

stern as she glanced from me to Jack. "Ste

making their way down my cheeks. I couldn't even answer her

f recognition in her eyes as if something was clicking in her mind. Then, with

ced with both suspicion and au

pened his mouth to speak, but Beatrice cut him

"Stella overheard your conversation with Marcus. We know what's going on.

is eyes flickered between Beatrice and me as if weighing his options. It was almost like watching someone caught

atrice stepped forward, cutting him

. Not after everything. She trusted you, Jack. And you-" She paused, her gaze so

ays been there for me, but hearing her stand up for me now felt like a lifeline. It was the reassurance I didn't

air, the guilt radiating off him like a visible aura. I almost felt sorry for him-

t started as a bet, yes. But somewhere along the way, I-" He faltered, his words seeming

That doesn't excuse what you've done, Jack. You li

h regret. "I was stupid. I didn't mean for it to

houlder. She didn't speak at first, as if trying to find th

think Stella needs some ti

ook, one that left no room for negotiation. With a long, drawn-ou

holding back poured out uncontrollably. Beatrice wrapped her arms around me, pullin

ught he was different. He made me believe everything was

mply holding me as I cried. Then, in a soft v

than this. And you'll find someone who truly deser

en ripped apart. For the first time in what felt like forever, I was