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“I can’t believe you’re leaving,” he says, softer now. “You could’ve stayed. We could’ve built something here.”

That one hits.

“I know,” I say.

“And if she’s the reason,” he adds, “just be honest about it.”

I hold his gaze.

“She’s not the reason. How could she be? I didn’t know. I never looked her up,” I say carefully. “But she’s… unfinished.”

Jade’s expression softens.

“You still like her,” she says.

“Yeah, I do. Maybe more now than before.”

Leo shakes his head, “Just don’t screw it up again.”

X raises his glass.

“To unfinished business.”

We all clink.

And for the first time since signing, the move feels real.

I have a second chance. And next time, when the lights come on?—

I’m not freezing or letting her walk away.