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As much as it’ll gut me, I have to do this for her. Time to rip off the bandaid.

So I nod, jaw clenched so tight it aches. “Okay. I’ll arrange it.”

Mary searches my face, brows drawn together in consideration. “You’d do that for me? Help me speak with him so I can move on from—”

From us?

“Ifit gives you peace of mind, then yes. I will do whatever it takes.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.” A vow I hope won’t come to regret.

The relief that flashes across her face is like a knife to the gut. Is she still in love with him?

“But on one condition,” I add. “You do exactly as I say. Do you understand?”

She starts to argue but I cut her off. “Non-negotiable.”

After a long moment, she nods.

“Tomorrow then. I’ll pick you up at your place around 5 pm.”

“Okay.” Mary traps her bottom lip.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Will she ever be able to trust me again? Will the fear in her eyes disappear one day? Patience. We’ve already covered enough difficult ground for one day.

I turn for the door. “Tomorrow, then.”

There’s still a long road ahead of us. But for now, at least we’re moving forward—together. And that’s enough to keep me going.

Outside her office, I message the group chat. I need to hit something, get rid of this fucking feeling that’s messing my head up.

Connor: Gym. Now.

Bash: In a meeting. I'll join later.

Brandon:Busy.

Connor: Please.

Brandon: You, begging? Give me twenty.

When I arrive, the gym is empty, and the familiar smell of sweat and metal greets me like an old friend. I head straight for the punching bag and start laying into it, each punch harder than the last.

My knuckles burn and ache, but I keep going. Chris’s face emerges in my mind, taunting me, laughing at how he played me. How he is still the one, Mary wants to see.

Move on from what, Blue? There is no escaping me anymore.

Rage boils in my gut as I imagine wrapping my hands around his throat, squeezing the life out of him.

“Whoa, easy there!” Brandon steps up beside me. “You look like shit.”

Chest heaving, I turn to face my cousin and best friend. One of the few people who know all my secrets and still stick by me.

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