Page 75 of The Edge Of Us

"He’s her father."

"And I’m not arguing that. But he had months—years—to fix this. He let you go, Corinne. Now he’s trying to reel you back in because someone else sees what he never did."

I looked away. My throat burned. "He knew all my broken pieces and still walked away."

Jasper stepped closer. "And I’d pick up every single one, over and over, if it meant holding you at the end of the day."

I didn’t mean to cry. But it spilled out, sharp and sudden. I covered my face with my hands.

He pulled me into his arms without hesitation.

"You’re safe," he murmured. "With me, you’re safe."

"I don’t know how to stop loving someone who hurt me that deeply," I whispered.

"You don’t have to rush it. You just have to let yourself heal. And when you’re ready... if you’re ever ready... I’ll be here."

I pulled back enough to look into his eyes. "You’re making this harder."

He smiled gently. "Then I’m doing it right."

There was a knock at the door.

Allen poked his head in. "We’re heading out. Just wanted to say goodbye."

I nodded. "Thanks for coming."

He hesitated, eyes flickering to Jasper’s hand resting lightly on my waist. Then he gave a small, strained smile and stepped out.

When the door clicked shut, Jasper let out a low whistle. "You okay?"

I nodded, brushing a tear from my cheek. "I think I will be."

He leaned in. "Then let’s start with now."

And in that moment, I let myself believe in the possibility of something soft again.

Even if it hurt.

Even if it healed.

Chapter 43

Corine

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the studio, pouring in like gold dust and settling across the polished marble floors. I stood before the vanity, lips painted in a shade I'd spent six months perfecting-a deep mauve with subtle rose undertones. I named it "Resilience."

It was the heart of Luxe Beauty's latest launch.

Brittany walked in, phone in hand, already recording behind-the-scenes snippets for our campaign. She wore a blazer dress in pearl white, her dark curls pulled into a high ponytail, and her energy-bold, unwavering-filled the space like always.

"Turn a little to the left, Corinne," she said, angling her phone as I faced the ring light. "The light's catching your cheekbone like a goddess. People are gonna lose it."

I gave a tired smile, adjusting my posture. "Let's hope they lose it enough to buy."

"They will," she said confidently. "It's Luxe. It's you. And this shade? It's everything."

I inhaled slowly, trying to calm the flutter in my chest. The last few months had been a whirlwind-healing, motherhood, rebuilding the brand I once nearly walked away from. Now here I was, launching a new lipstick with my best friend at my side and a photographer asking me to tilt my chin just a little more.

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