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I know the man I trusted didn't trust me enough to ask one fucking question before deciding I'd betrayed him.

And I know why we never defined this thing between us.

Because neither of us ever forced the conversation.

Maybe I was afraid of the answer.

Maybe Mitchell was afraid that defining us meant he'd finally have to explain how us began.

“I have to go.”

“Please don't shut me out.”

The vulnerability in his voice nearly breaks me. But I'm not doing this to punish him.

I'm doing it because I love him. And right now that love hurts too fucking much.

“I didn't use you, Mitchell.”

“I know.”

“I didn't leak that story.”

“I know.”

“I didn't betray you.”

“I know.”

I swallow.

“Then maybe you should think about why it was so easy for you to believe I did.”

His breath hitches.

Yesterday, I knew I was in love with Mitchell Knight. Today, I'm wondering if I ever really knew him.

Worse? I'm wondering if he ever really knew me. Because I would've given him the truth even if it hurt.

I thought he'd learned enough about me to know that. Apparently, I was wrong.

“Don't leave like this.”

“You already left me like this.”

The words come out before I can stop them.

Neither of us speaks.

I end the call.

Utter and complete silence crashes down around me. Then I stand alone in my tiny apartment, staring at the dark screen of my phone.

Yesterday, I was afraid Mitchell Knight had the power to break my heart.

Turns out I was right.

Chapter 26