Hunter's POV
The moment I step out of the restroom, my phone buzzes.
A message from Cole.
Hospital emergency. Had to leave.
Again.
On Christmas Eve.
The thought of Hailey finding out, her hurting more—twists something ugly in my chest. The idea of breaking my twin’s marriage should stop me. It should scare me into letting her go.
But it doesn’t.
I won’t stop. Not now. Not when I’ve already decided I’m done pretending. I’ll chase her. I’ll win her heart. I’ll claim her the way I should have years ago, before she ever became his wife.
When I return to the table, my stomach drops.
It’s empty.
No Julian.
Only the bouquet of flowers I gave her sits there, untouched. That makes it worse, worries me more. My eyes sweep the restaurant, searching for Julian. For any sign of her, until m
