Page 80 of The Love Syllabus

His nostrils flare, but when he looks at me, really looks at me, his expression softens, and his fingers trace my cheek like he’s silently asking if I’m okay.

I nod.

He exhales, nods back, and forces himself to stay seated, even though every muscle in his body is screaming for a fight.

“Sorry I’m late, baby.” Cory grins, leaning down to press a kiss to Krista’s temple like he’s some doting boyfriend. “I just needed to make a quick stop.”

Then, with a grand, over-the-top flourish, he hands her a bouquet of flowers.

Krista’s eyes widen, and for a moment, she almost looks surprised but forces a smile. “Oh wow, Cory. I didn’t know you were coming. These are beautiful. What’s the occasion?”

She’s just grateful for the bare minimum, but I know what the occasion is. This isn’t love. This isn’t romance. Those aren’t “just because” flowers. They’re apology flowers.

Cory slides into the booth beside Krista. His energy is loud and performative, but his dark, predatory gaze isn’t on her. I study her closely, watching as she grips the bouquet a little too tightly. She’s smiling, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Her energy has dimmed, completely shut down.

“Krista?” Vic’s voice is softer now, cautious. “You good?”

She hesitates, just long enough for me to catch it, before she plasters on another one of those empty smiles. “Of course,” she says quickly, waving a dismissive hand. “I mean… why wouldn’t I be?”

I know that smile. I know that laugh. She’s sitting just a little too stiffly, and her shoulders tense every time Cory moves. I know that look in her eyes.

Because I wore it for years.

I study her as Cory has his eyes on me.

He doesn’t even try to be subtle, dragging his eyes over my face, down my body, like he has the right. Like heownsme. And then, he has the audacity to lick his lips.

Krista notices and subtly nudges her elbow into his side like a silent plea for him to behave.

He barely reacts, just flashes her an amused smirk, but I see her shrinking by the second.

“So,” Vic starts, his voice casual. “how long have you two been together?”

Krista perks up. “Three months,” she says quickly, forcing a smile. “but it feels like forever, doesn’t it, babe?”

“Yep, and we’re fresh out of the honeymoon phase.”

Krista lets out a light laugh, nudging him playfully. “Oh, don’t say that,” she pouts. “We’re still in the honeymoon phase.”

Cory shrugs. “I mean, you think you’re in love with the perfect person...”

Krista smiles.

“...until you start seeing their flaws.”

Her smile quickly fades.

I tense, recognizing the manipulation for exactly what it is—praise wrapped in a putdown. Krista swallows, her shoulders sinking ever so slightly, but not on my watch.

“You know,” I say, my voice light, “I don’t really believe inperfectpeople, but I do believe in the right people. The ones who make you feel safe, respected, valued. The ones who don’t just see your flaws but love you harder because of them.”

I glance at Vic, whose thumb strokes against my thigh. Then, I turn to Krista.

“The people who lift you up and don’t tear you down.”

Cory’s entire face darkens, and Vic smirks, completely amused by my words.

Cory leans forward, elbows on the table. “So, Kerry, I heard you’re homeschooling now?” His tone is too casual, but I hear the sharp edge beneath it, the way he’s digging for something.

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