Ending Up Strangers After Eight Years

Jayden's POV

With Gianna Connor, my fiancee of eight years, failing to show up and taking the car with her, our plans to take my parents on a trip fell apart. All I could do was show them around the local area for the day.

My parents didn't complain once, but I couldn't bring myself to enjoy any of it.

After getting them settled in their room, I took a cup of coffee out to the balcony alone.

Gianna came home at 2:00 am.

"Still awake?"

I nodded. "I was waiting for you."

Gianna casually tossed her handbag onto the couch and slipped off her high heels.

I sat down across from her. "Were you with Everett's mom all day for her follow-up?"

Gianna nodded.

At the mention of Everett Lloyd, our former classmate, I could see a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"He didn't even know how to pay the bill. He's hopeless. Whoever marries him someday is going to be in for a world of trouble."

It sounded like a complaint, but the tenderness in her voice was impossible to miss.

My heart sank.

After a long pause, I finally said, "Let's go on our trip tomorrow."

Gianna turned me down without a second's hesitation, saying, "I need to drive Everett's mom home tomorrow."

I frowned. "His mom can take a cab. I'll pay the fare."

Gianna's expression shifted. "My car is the only one she doesn't get carsick in."

My grip tightened around the coffee cup.

Just as I was about to push back, Gianna sat down beside me. The faint scent of Everett's cologne clung to her, and I subtly shifted away.

She awkwardly withdrew the arms she'd been about to wrap around my waist.

"We'll find another time for the trip. I'm going to take a shower."

I stopped her. "I'm a little tired today. Could you make breakfast tomorrow morning?"

Gianna didn't refuse. "Sure. I'll make seafood chowder."

Something in my chest twisted.

"I'm allergic to seafood," I reminded her quietly.

Gianna froze for a moment. "I'm sorry. I was at the hospital all day, and my head's still spinning from how busy it was. We'll just have coffee and pastries instead."

I stood, walked over, and stopped right in front of her. "I've been hospitalized three times because of seafood. Why can't you ever remember that?"

A flicker of impatience crossed Gianna's face. "I'll remember from now on."

She turned and headed for the bathroom.

From behind her, I said quietly, "You remember that Everett doesn't eat ginger, carrots, or green onions. You remember his mom doesn't eat mushrooms. You even remember the specific brand of food his dog won't touch.

"But somehow, you can't remember that I'm allergic to seafood. Gianna, have you… ever really cared about me? Your future husband?"

Gianna paused mid-step.

"Whatever this is, we can talk about it tomorrow after I drive his mom home. I'm really tired today, and I don't want to argue with you."

As I watched her walk away, a dull ache filled my chest.

She was tired because she'd spent the whole day taking care of Everett's mother. Not because of anything she'd done for me.