(Jasper's POV)
I watch Scarlett's retreating figure until she disappears through the auditorium doors, Lily's small hand clasped tight in hers. My chest feels hollow, like someone carved out my heart and forgot to put it back.
But for the first time in four years, there's something else there too. Hope. Fragile as spun glass, but there.
She listened. She didn't walk away when I spoke about her on that stage. And more importantly, she's letting me spend time with Lily.
"That went better than expected."
Virginia's voice startles me out of my thoughts. I'd forgotten she was still here, hovering at my elbow like a shadow I can't shake.
"Yeah." I run a hand through my hair, still processing what just happened. "Thank you. For the advice, I mean. You were right about the speech."
Her smil
