The city felt different after the truth.
Not quieter. Not kinder.
Just sharper.
Bella walked without direction, letting the streets choose for her. Every step carried the echo of Julian’s voice—measured, restrained, final.
Yes.
The word had not been cruel. That, somehow, made it worse.
She stopped at a crosswalk, watching the signal change, the crowd surge forward. Life moved on with brutal efficiency. No one paused for heartbreak.
By the time she reached Chloe’s apartment, the ache had settled into something heavy and dull, like a bruise pressed too often.
Chloe was waiting, concern written plainly across her face.
“You talked to him,” she said.
Bella nodded. “Yes.”
“And?”
Bella slipped off her shoes slowly. “He said no.”
Chloe’s jaw tightened. “I’m sorry.”
Bella managed a f
