I couldn’t believe he’d said it. Just a close friend. The words played on repeat in my mind, sharp as broken glass. Seven years. Seven years of my life, my sacrifices, my love—and all it took was Miranda to erase it. I wasn’t even angry about her pregnancy, not entirely. It was his disregard for me that ripped me apart. His inability to defend me, to even acknowledge what we were. Was she the reason for his growing distance, his excuses, his lies? How long had I been blind?
The second I stepped into the house, I flung my purse onto the couch, its contents scattering. Tears blurred my vision, but I didn’t care. A sob broke from my throat as I sank onto the cold, unforgiving leather. My chest heaved, and each breath felt like a struggle. I had loved Damon with everything I had, but tonight, he’d made me feel like nothing.
Time passed in a blur before I heard the door click open. Damon’s familiar scent filled the room as he stepped inside, his voice laced with irritation.
“What’s wrong with you, Amara? You shouldn’t have left like that.”
I lifted my head and met his gaze, bitterness coating my words. “Really? I was supposed to stay and take in all the humiliation? That’s what you wanted?”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
I stood, my legs trembling beneath me. “So I’m just a close friend, huh? That’s what I mean.”
He sighed, stepping closer, his hands raised like a man trying to tame a storm. “No, Amara. You’re the woman I love.”
I pushed him back, anger bubbling to the surface. “Then why couldn’t you say that at the event? Why did you embarrass me like that in front of everyone?”
“Amara…” His voice was soft, pleading.
I didn’t let him finish. “Miranda is carrying your child, and you didn’t even have the decency to tell me!”
His head snapped up, his eyes wide. “No. It’s not mine.”
“What?” My heart faltered.
“It’s her ex’s unborn child.”
“You’re kidding me.” My voice rose with disbelief. “You let them believe it was yours. You smiled. You didn’t deny it.”
“I didn’t say anything!” His tone was defensive now. “I just… I wanted to protect her dignity, like a good friend would.”
“And what about me?” My voice cracked. “You didn’t want her humiliated, but you didn’t care about humiliating me. It was so easy for you.”
“Why can’t you seem to understand?” he said, frustration lining his face.
“Why can’t you see how you’re crushing me, Damon?!” My voice broke on his name, the weight of my emotions finally breaking free.
His hands ran through his hair as he stepped closer again, his eyes scanning my face. “You don’t look good,” he muttered, his gaze dropping to my hand. He reached for it, his expression softening. “How did you get hurt?”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I pulled my hand away. “You just noticed it now? After everything?”
“I’m sorry.”
I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes again. “Why are you doing this to me, Damon? If I mean something to you, if you value what we share, why have you been disregarding me like this?”
He sighed heavily, taking my hands again despite my resistance. His touch was warm, but it didn’t soothe the cold ache in my chest. “I don’t mean to. It’s just… the circumstances. You shouldn’t take it to heart.”
Before I could protest, he cupped my face and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was hot, demanding, and I wanted to push him away, but my body betrayed me. My head spun, my heart pounding as I lost myself in the moment. His touch, his scent, his presence—it was all-consuming, pulling me under.
Before I realized it, we were on the couch, our lips locked, his hands tracing my body. But then, the shrill ring of his phone shattered the moment.
He pulled away, fishing the device from his pocket. “Yes, Miranda?”
My chest tightened at her name.
“Hello, Damon. I just got home. I’ve got a splitting headache,” I overheard her say, her voice weak.
His brows knitted together in concern. “Really?”
“Yes. It’s not serious, but…” She coughed lightly, and Damon sighed.
“I’ll be there ASAP.” He ended the call and stood, his movements hurried.
“Damon.” My voice was quiet, shaky. I sat up, stopping him before he could leave. “I don’t feel well.”
He glanced at me, his expression distracted. “Come on, I’ll call my family doctor to come check up on you. Miranda needs me now.”
And with that, he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him without so much as a backward glance.
