“No,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
“Yes,” Rowan insisted, his tone firm.
“That day, I told him I had real feelings for you and I wouldn’t back down. The more I refused to give you up, the angrier he got. That’s what the fight was really about.”
My chest tightened, my breaths coming shallow. My mind spiraled with the weight of his words. Silas, why can’t I trust you? Is there always another plan? Always another lie?
“Jade, are you okay?” Rowan’s voice broke through my haze, his hand reaching across the table to grasp mine.
I shook my head, unable to speak. Instead, I drained the rest of my wine in one long sip, hoping the burn would steady me.
“Do you want to leave?” Rowan asked, his hand still covering mine, his concern palpable.
“No,” I managed finally, pulling my hand away.
