Liam's face goes from red to purple.
"Jealous?" he repeats. "You think I'm jealous?"
"I think you can't handle that I moved on. That I'm happy. That I found someone better than you."
"Better than me? He's my father—"
"And a better man than you'll ever be."
The words come out sharper than I intended. Harsher. But I don't take them back.
Because they're true.
Ethan is better. In every way that matters. Kinder. More honest. More willing to face consequences instead of hiding behind threats and manipulation.
Liam steps forward. Into my space. Threatening.
Close enough that I can smell his cologne. The same one he wore when we were together. The scent that used to mean safety and now just means danger.
"You're going to regret this," he says quietly. "When you're alone. When he's moved on. When you realize what you gave up."
"I gave up nothing—"
"You gave up your future. Your reputation. Your integrity."
"I gave up pretending. That's all."
"You gave up everything—"
