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I rubbed a hand over my jaw. “Sunshine—”

“No.” She lifted a hand, stopping me in my tracks. “You don’t get to say anything else. You made your choice, Wells.”

I swallowed hard. “And what if I made the wrong one?”

Her breath hitched, just slightly, but she caught herself fast.

“Then that’s your problem,” she said, voice steady. “Not mine.”

She knocked on the door again, more aggressively this time. “Blythe, I swear to God—”

Charlie’s muffled voice came through from the other side. “She says you need at least five more minutes.”

Rose let out a frustrated groan, pressing her forehead against the wood.

I took a slow step forward. “Rose.”

She didn’t move. Didn’t turn.

“Tell me what I need to do to fix this.” My voice was quiet, but the weight behind it was heavy.

She turned slowly, her eyes locking onto mine. For the first time during this conversation, she didn’t look just angry—she looked wrecked.

“You can’t fix everything, Wells.”

Her voice was so quiet, so tired, that it almost undid me.

She shook her head once, then looked away.

And for the first time, I wondered if I had already lost her.

SAY DON’T GO

The walls felt like they were closing in.

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, my breath shallow as I forced myself to focus on anything but the man standing a few feet away. The air between us was thick, suffocating.

I didn’t want to hear another excuse. Another half-hearted explanation.

Wells had made his choice. Now, he had to live with it.

I’d promised myself after Thad, after all the hurt and self-doubt, that I would never let someone make me feel like a second option again.

And yet, here I was.

“I’m sorry, Rose.” Wells’ voice was low, rough with regret.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself not to react. Not to let his voice, his presence, or him get under my skin again.

“I mean it,” he said, stepping closer. “I know I screwed up. I know I hurt you.”

I let out a sharp breath, my hands clenching into fists. “You keep saying that.”

“Because it’s true.”

I snapped my gaze to him. “And what do you want me to do with that, Wells? Huh? Just accept your apology? Pretend it never happened?”

He shook his head. “No. I just—” He exhaled, his jaw tightening. “I don’t want this to be over.”