Theodore's Pov
As we all make our way back to the beach house, my thoughts churn relentlessly, a turbulent mix of frustration, longing, and determination. My gaze flickers toward Juniper occasionally, catching her animated smile as she chats with Emily and Rachel. She looks so at ease, so effortlessly radiant—and it gnaws at me.
"She’s happy without me. She doesn’t need me anymore."
The thought is like a dagger, but I can not fully believe it. Watching her with Liam only makes the doubt worse. "Is it real? Can it be real?" Something about their interactions feels... off. Forced, maybe. A performance. Or is that just wishful thinking?
As we approach the house, I hang back slightly, my hands shoved into my pockets. The others peel off toward their rooms or the kitchen, and I stand in the
