Page 120 of My Ex's Best Friend

I open my mouth and close it, no sound coming out. I can't believe it. She came here, after all these years. She came to our spot.

As if sensing my gaze on her, she slowly starts to turn around. When she sees me, her eyes widen.

"Kiera—"

She can't be here. This can't be real. And yet, here she is.

I can't breathe.

Kiera rises to her feet.

My heart squeezes, and my stomach leaps up to my mouth.

God. I love this woman so much.

30

KIERA

I start at the sound of Jake's voice. At first, I think I'm imagining it. It wouldn't be the first time. There hasn't been a day I haven't dreamed of him.

Whenever he visits, I can’t help myself, and I have to see him. My heart hurts every time.

Looking at him now, just a few yards away, at the edge of the clearing, it’s like looking at a ghost. He has lost a considerable amount of weight, and there are bags under his eyes.

Has he been eating? Sleeping?

No, Kiera, that’s not your problem..

"Kiera—" he says again, reaching for me.

"Stop right there," I say, my voice shaky. "Please don't come near me."

"I just want to talk to you."

"What are you doing here? How did you even find me here?"

"I just followed my heart." He looks earnest, but I have to remind myself that it's just another lie to reel me in. And then what? What does he even hope to get out of this?

"I'm leaving, then," I say, picking up my purse.

Unfortunately, I have to walk right past him.

Jake stops me, grabbing my elbow. "Please, don't go. I'll leave."

My gaze turns to him.

I fight to keep the tears at bay, but it's hard, and it takes every bit of my sheer will. "What are you even doing here? Are you scared that I'll keep you away from your baby? Is that why you're showing up at my house?"

His eyes widen. "What? No. The baby is part of it, of course, but I came to see you, Kiera." Jake takes a deep breath, and squeezes my elbow before he reluctantly steps away, as if it's taking all of him to do so. "I respect your decision, whatever it is that you mean to do. I just wish that this time, you would hear me out and not let another miscommunication ruin our lives."

I take a shuddering breath. "I don't think I need to explain myself to you."

He looks down at his feet. "I respect that."

Anger slides down me. That's it?

"Do you regret it? Regret how it ended? Regret choosing her over me?" My voice cracks. "You could have just told me to go away, and I would. You didn't have to cheat on me. Not when you know everything that happened to me."

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