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The elevator doors slide open. I step inside, staring ahead.

Please.

I press the button for the lobby. Hot tears trickle down my cheeks. The door seals shut, and something inside me… breaks.

It’s over. Something that never even started is over. I slump against the wall of the elevator, eyes burning.

Stupid. I made myself so vulnerable. Confessed feelings I’ve barely admitted to myself. Nevertheless, he remains a locked box I can’t seem to crack open.

I am not and never will be Elijah’s first choice. I’ve been so naive, like with Oliver.

Chapter 20

“What happened to you that you’re so hurt? That you’re doing this?” Tears streak down Gemma’s beautiful face.

Fuck.

Her shoulders slump, the defeat palpable even through the haze of my own fucking self-pity.

“I’m done. Congratulations on your engagement. I wish you both the happiness you deserve.”

Happiness?

Without her in my life?

The room is a blur of colors and shadows as I stand there, watching her go, paralyzed. I can’t move even though every fiber of my being screams to stop her.

Gemma is the best damn thing that ever happened to me, and I let her walk away.

I’m such a fucking idiot.

But the damage is already done.

She’s gone.

Gemma...

My gem.

Fuck.

Fuck!

I grab the nearest object, a crystal vase, and hurl it against the wall with every ounce of strength I possess, shattering it into a thousand jagged shards raining down onto the floor.

I stare down. Blood oozes from several cuts on my hand and arm.

Kneeling down, I snatch up one of the larger, dagger-like pieces. I had her in my grasp. Falling for me just as hard as I’ve fallen for her. I clench my hand, the splinter slicing deep into my palm.

Gemma.

For the first time, I care.

I care about her dreams and passions. I want to protect her, cherish her, and make all her wishes come true.

She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and never knew I needed. Kind, passionate, talented, and I let her slip through my fingers like the blood dripping down, staining the black carpet beneath me.

All because I’m a scared fucking asshole. Scared to let someone in, to open myself up again. Her smile, her laugh, the way she looks at me. She saw the real me, flaws and all.

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