Chapter 2

Damien lowered his eyes.

He didn't take it.

He laughed under his breath.

That familiar, mocking laugh.

"Olivia, you're even giving the ring back?"

Six months ago, he had surprised me with a proposal.

The moment that ring slid onto my finger, I finally felt loved.

Truly loved.

I'd never taken it off. I'd even slept with it.

Damien used to tease me for being dramatic about it.

"Yes," I said quietly. "It was never mine to keep."

He went still for a beat.

Then the corner of his mouth twitched again.

"Keep it. Returning it is a hassle."

A hassle.

What wasn't a hassle to Damien these days?

Squeezing in monthly trips to Charleston wasn't a hassle.

Remembering his ex-wife's birthday down to the hour. Sending her gifts that arrived precisely on time.

That wasn't a hassle either.

Dropping every meeting on his desk because she was upset.

Leaving me waiting at home with cold dinner on the table.

None of that had ever been a hassle.

I had never let myself think about it before.

I'd told myself: just a little longer. He'll come around.

Until I saw everything in his phone.

I'd been wrong.

No matter how much I lowered myself.

No matter how much of me I gave away.

There was a place in his heart that had never belonged to me.

It belonged to Sophia.

"Keep it yourself," I said evenly.

"Damien, we're done. For real this time."

The smile faded from his face.

"Olivia, knock it off."

"You really think you can let go?"

I set the ring down on the entry console.

Once, I wouldn't have been able to.

Once, I'd have run after him crying.

Even my friends used to ask what was so special about him.

What made me keep making myself this small.

"Yes," I said softly.

He hadn't caught it. "What did you say?"

I looked up. Met his eyes.

"I said—I'm done."

"Damien. We're over."

He stared at me for two seconds.

Then scoffed.

"Fine. Whatever you want."

He didn't believe me. I could see it in his face.

But it didn't matter anymore.

At least I wouldn't have to keep chasing him.

At least I wouldn't have to wonder which night he'd fly to her again.

......

Damien and Sophia had grown up together.

Everyone thought they were perfect for each other.

No one expected them to get divorced.

Damien just said it was amicable.

No reason. They just weren't right for each other.

When I'd first moved in, I'd seen their wedding photos.

I'd also seen Sophia.

In person.

Damien was working late that night. I was home alone when I heard the fingerprint lock click.

I thought it was him.

But when I stood up, I saw a pair of unfamiliar, beautiful eyes.

She'd blinked, startled.

Then she'd smiled.

"I'm sorry—I didn't realize Damien had a girlfriend."

By that point, Damien and I had been together for nearly two years.

He'd never told her I existed.

I left the ring on the desk and turned to leave.

Then a soft, familiar voice came from inside the house.

"Damien, who's at the door?"