e's

off

who the fuck

the buzz of conversation in the grand hall. Heads turned toward

me, but I refused to let it show how much it stung. I spotted an empty seat in t

on my heels. "Jane,

ice icy. "Maybe you shouldn't leave your wife stranded

udience we were gathering. "That's rude, Jane. You don't have to

voice steady. "Maybe you shoul

lf between us like she'd rehearsed it. Her hand snaked around his wais

for you," she purred, resting her cheek aga

d, I stood up and walked away, leaving th

of the hall. My chest felt heavy, my stomach twisting with regret. Why had I ev

hoping it would dull the ache in my chest. Finding an empty tab

you ag

Standing behind me, with that same easy smile

nd thank you again for earlier.

itting across from me without waiting for an in

g a small smile. "Thanks aga

, raising an eyebrow as

aid, extend

. "Well, Jane, it's a pleasure to o

, gesturing to the

rd or forced. Jared was easy to talk to, his confiden

do?" he asked, si

I... used to t

frowned. "Wh

an didn't want me teaching after we got marrie

n thoughtful. "That's a shame. Y

smile tugging at my lips. "

big college. They're always looking for great teachers, and they pay more than m

sed. "That sounds

I could help you get an inte

kly. "No, I can't. C

interrupted. "What about

d for the first time in a long t

t it," I said final

d with a grin. "T

in shot through my st

d asked, concerned,

tanding up. "I just need to u

ater on my face. The pain had dulled, but my heart still felt heav

he door, Amanda appea

nt?" I asked, m

her eyes narrowing as her hand shot out, grabbin

ace inches from mine. "When will you admit that you're a

, my breath coming in short

a man who doesn't even look at you the way he looks at m

a dagger to my chest. But I r

I said again, m

ment before she finally released me. I stumb

" she said coldly. "Or nex