Ever since I left him, I'd completely walked out of the shadow of my past.
I founded my own independent brand, dug deep into the industry, and grew steadily year over year.
I didn't have to cling to anyone anymore. I could hold my own ground all by myself, and I had Ethan by my side, steady and loyal through it all. I didn't have a single trace of that spineless, people-pleasing old self left.
It was after an industry cocktail party wrapped up.
I was chatting with a business partner by the entrance when a gaunt, haggard Jude suddenly darted out from the side of the road.
His clothes were washed so many times they were faded and crumpled all over, his hair was a wild mess, and his eyes were crisscrossed with red veins. Not a trace of that arrogant, upper-class air he used to carry hims
