So Selfless He Lost Me

Jacob Torrance and I were together five years.Day one, he laid it out: "I'm not comfortable with too much physical affection. If that's something you need, I get it if you want to walk away."I figured it was just one of those genius quirks, so I brushed it off. We held hands, hugged now and then—nothing past that.Then everything flipped.Dr. Lynn, Jacob's longtime mentor and career gatekeeper, landed in critical condition.The second Jacob got the call, Jacob threw on whatever was nearby and bolted to the hospital.Didn't come back till morning, looking wrecked and quiet.We were halfway through breakfast when he said it:"I'm planning to have a child with Wendy."I froze. Thought I misheard. "Sorry, what?"His tone didn't even change. "Dr. Lynn doesn't have much time left. His biggest wish is to see his daughter settle down with someone reliable. He's done a lot for me. I owe him."I was stunned. "But... she could find someone else. Wendy can get a boyfriend or—"Jacob

Jacob still hadn't come back.I didn't call.The only updates came from Wendy—random videos—each one oozing smug energy.Them playing house didn't faze me. I just kept moving with the wedding prep.Only difference? The groom's name on the invites wasn't Jacob anymore. It was Seth.Didn't take long for the calls to start."Nina, did you mess up the groom's name?""Nope," I said coolly. "Groom's changed. Seth Stratford. Childhood friend."That threw them even more."You and Jacob... had a fight?"Their voices were careful, confused.I got it. I'd never hidden how hard I fell for Jacob. Everyone knew I'd bend over backwards for him.But Jacob—the one being loved—never looked back.Or maybe he did. Maybe he just didn't care.Cold. Distant. Always that untouchable golden boy, standing on his pedestal while I broke myself trying to get close.I didn't explain. Just smiled and said nothing.My friends relaxed, started cracking jokes, like it was just some goofy couple drama.

Mrs. Lynn's face tightened. She clearly backed her daughter, but even she knew this wasn't a good look.Before she could say anything, Jacob made the call."Nina, you can take a cab home."Wendy threw me a quick glance, a smug little smile tugging at her lips as the window rolled up.I didn't flinch.Classic Jacob—always asking me to step back for Wendy.Right on cue, snow started falling.Light at first, then settling into a thin layer.I crouched, scooped up a handful.Cold.But not colder than my heart.***When I got home, Jacob was already packing.Without even looking at me, he said,"Wendy's not doing well. I'm gonna stay with her for a while. You'll have to cab it to work."I said nothing.Wendy was upset, so he was off to spend the night. To comfort her?I didn't ask. He didn't explain.He zipped up his bag, walked out, and didn't come back for a week.Not one text.But I knew what he was doing every single day.Wendy made sure of it—videos, selfies, pictu

Seth and I talked on the balcony for half an hour before I headed back in.Wendy was still camped on the couch, chatting with Jacob.The second he spotted me, his smile dropped. "You're not gonna explain?"I raised a brow. "Explain what?""That guy's name in your contacts." His voice was all sharp edges.I blinked, thrown for a sec.Where did he even get off asking me that?Like my dumb nickname was worse than him planning a baby with someone else?But whatever. Not worth it. "It was a joke."His jaw was still tight. "Change it. What if someone else sees?"I gave a quick nod.That took the edge off him.Wendy had been watching, and yeah—there was that flash of jealousy in her eyes.Right as Jacob opened his mouth again, she jumped in. "Jacob, Nina, how about dinner later? I've been meaning to thank you both for everything."With that look she gave me, I knew exactly what game she was playing.Trying to rattle me.I shook my head. I had packing to do and zero time for wh

As the wedding crept closer, my phone lit up with an unknown number.I answered—big mistake.Jacob's voice cut through, sharp and pissed. "Nina, where are you? What's this about breaking up?"I checked the time. Two weeks. Took him that long to realize I wasn't bluffing?I didn't bother replying. Just hung up and blocked him.Seth and I got married without a single snag.When he slid the ring on my finger, he straight-up cried. Said he'd loved me for years. Said he'd been waiting for this moment forever.The way he cried? Hit me right in the chest.I stepped closer, stood on my toes, and kissed him."Seth Stratford, from now on, we've got each other's backs.""Yeah. Always."***After the ceremony, I checked my phone—dozens of texts from a random number:[Nina, how could you marry someone else?!][Come home. I'll forgive you!][I was wrong, Nina. Please. Let's start over.][I'm sorry. Don't marry him. I'm begging you.]...I scrolled through every message, cool as ice