The tension in the living room was sharp enough to slice through skin. Kyrell stood rigid, his jaw tight, his fists threatening to curl into another blow as his gaze locked onto Jace. Beside him, Sky clung to Jace’s arm like a shadow, a smirk spreading across her lips, as though she were savoring a victory already obtained. The weight of unspoken words hovered between the men, and the atmosphere grew unbearably heavy with every second that passed.
On the couch, Eden sat small, her body fragile and soul bruised. Her hands trembled in her lap as she fought to steady herself, her eyes darting between the men who seemed ready to explode into violence at any given moment. Grief gnawed at her ribs, hollowing her chest. She had lost so much already: the child she had prayed would bring her joy, the love she had longed for that never came, and now here she was, staring at the cruellest scene. Her husband, heart colder than steel, arrived not with comfort but with destruction.
Kyrell paced his loft apartment in downtown San Francisco, the glow of the city lights painting sharp angles across the sleek hardwood floors. He had spent the past week calling Eden incessantly; each ring met with silence, each voicemail ignored. Every time her name flashed on his phone, a mixture of frustration and longing twisted inside him. He ran a hand through his dark hair, tugging at it in disbelief. How could someone he wanted more than air itself be so distant, so evasive?A deep sigh escaped him as he sank onto the couch, the soft leather welcoming his tension. He thought back to Saturday night, the bachelor party, and Eden’s laugh echoing in his ears like a melody he couldn’t forget. That night, she had smiled at him in a way that was both bold and shy, the kind of smile that made him forget breathing. And then the words she had blurted out so quickly.God, he was in love with her.“I don’t understand,” he muttered to hi
Jace stood rooted in place, his stare locked on them like a predator forced to watch its prey being stolen from right under him. Rage throbbed in his chest; it made it hard to breathe. Why the fuck was she smiling at him like that? Why did she look so goddamn happy?It wasn’t just the smile. It was the way she kept clinging to Kyrell’s hand. The betrayal twisted deeper as if someone had shoved a jagged knife between his ribs. She hadn’t just moved on; she had chosen the one man he never thought she’d dare choose.His fists clenched as he forced himself back toward the table where Sky was waiting. Every step was deliberate, heavy with the weight of fury he couldn’t afford to unleash in the middle of the elegant reception hall. Laughter echoed around him, but he didn’t feel its effect.When he slid into his seat, the taste of bile lingered in his throat. His gaze betrayed him, shifting back toward them.“Babe, are y
Jace stepped past the groaning guard, his cold gaze so sharp and unrelenting that the man immediately averted his eyes in fear of losing his job; it was a party for important people after all. Without slowing, he opened the carved oak door ahead of them and extended his hand toward Sky, who accepted it. Together they walked down a narrow passage, the polished floor glinting beneath soft amber chandeliers. At the end, an arched doorway stood open, spilling out a wash of music that grew louder with each step.The sight took even Jace’s breath for a moment. The ballroom was dazzling, its grandeur a blend of classic extravagance and modern design. Crystal chandeliers cascaded like waterfalls from the ceiling, refracting prisms of light across marble walls. Polished floors gleamed beneath the reflection of tall golden statues—stylized lions and winged goddesses—that had been positioned around the room. The color scheme was rich yet restrained, with ivory drapes t
Jace stood rooted in place, his stare locked on them like a predator forced to watch its prey being stolen from right under him. Rage throbbed in his chest; it made it hard to breathe. Why the fuck was she smiling at him like that? Why did she look so goddamn happy?It wasn’t just the smile. It was the way she kept clinging to Kyrell’s hand. The betrayal twisted deeper as if someone had shoved a jagged knife between his ribs. She hadn’t just moved on; she had chosen the one man he never thought she’d dare choose.His fists clenched as he forced himself back toward the table where Sky was waiting. Every step was deliberate, heavy with the weight of fury he couldn’t afford to unleash in the middle of the elegant reception hall. Laughter echoed around him, but he didn’t feel its effect.When he slid into his seat, the taste of bile lingered in his throat. His gaze betrayed him, shifting back toward them.“Babe, are y
Eden stood in awe, staring at Kyrell as he shrugged out of his tailored tuxedo jacket, the fine black fabric catching the low light of the porch lantern. Without hesitation, he wrapped it around her shoulders, the lingering brush of his hands warming her chilled arms. His fingers hovered longer than necessary, their heat imprinting on her skin even as he reluctantly pulled away. She nearly told him not to stop, to let his touch stay just a moment longer, but the words caught in her throat.“Are you still cold?” Kyrell asked, his tone half concern, half curiosity.“No. Thank you,” she answered, though nervousness laced her voice and betrayed her.He nodded once, serious as always, and crossed in a purposeful stride to her side of the car. He held the door open, waiting until she slipped gracefully inside, still cocooned in his jacket like a shield against the San Francisco night. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he turned the ignition
Eden slipped the sleeveless dress over her head, smoothing it down over her curves until it settled just above her knees. The fabric was a soft satin blend dyed in a rich shade of orange that caught the lamplight in waves. Standing before her full-length mirror, she studied how the gown hugged her body, streamlined but not loud, modest yet irresistible. It was the perfect choice for the evening ahead. Tonight, they would be at Haley’s bachelorette party.Three weeks had passed since that humiliating clash with Jace at the restaurant, the last lingering scene of a marriage she was eager to close the door on. Since then, the divorce had been grinding through the courts, but the past two weeks had gone smoothly, almost suspiciously so. Every day had been packed with errands, fittings, tastings, and final touches for Haley’s wedding. And in all of it, she had been side by side with Kyrell.She sat before her vanity, fingers quick as she pinned her hair into a c