Chapter 2

After Julian followed Nicole into the bedroom, I called an Uber and headed straight to a local bar.

I had never been a drinker. I hated clubs.

Yet tonight, I desperately wanted to drown my thoughts in the strongest bourbon on the shelf.

The bartender eyed me curiously, as if studying my face.

I blinked my hazy eyes. "Something on my face? Do we know each other?"

"Sir, this is your fifth time here this week," the bartender said gently. "Pace yourself."

My grip tightened on the glass. Then I threw my head back and swallowed it in one burn.

"This is the last time," I said.

The bartender stared at me, his eyes widening in concern. "Hey, man... whatever you're going through, it’s not worth doing something crazy."

I chuckled and shook my head. "It's just a broken heart. I’m not going to kill myself over it."

Some things couldn't be forced. If Nicole didn't love me, there was no point in letting this destroy me.

Letting her go—and setting myself free—was the only dignity I had left.

Right now, the best thing for me was to find a job and keep myself busy.

"Are you guys hiring bartenders?"

"I'm not sure," the bartender replied. "If you have experience, I can ask the owner tomorrow."

Nicole used to enjoy a nightcap before bed. In the past, I had secretly practiced mixology at home just to please her, hoping for a day when she would praise my skills.

I never got the chance to make her a single drink.

I left my contact info on a napkin. Just as I turned to leave, I saw Nicole walking through the VIP entrance, her arm looped securely through Julian's.

Nicole hated loud venues. She never stepped into clubs.

Driven by a twisted curiosity, I followed them toward the private lounge.

The moment I reached the cracked door, the loud cheering of trust-fund kids echoed out. It sounded like a welcome-back party in her honor.

One of the guys smirked at Julian, then glanced at Nicole. "I figured you’d bring that devoted husband of yours tonight. The guy took care of you for three whole years, didn't he?"

Nicole offered a faint smile, swirling her wine glass without taking a sip.

"Who is he to belong in a place like this?"

I stood rooted to the carpet outside, my knuckles turning white.

"Come on, Nicole, that’s a bit harsh," another woman chimed in. "He did nurse you back to health."

"Did I beg him to nurse me?" Nicole scoffed.

Seeing Nicole’s irritation, Julian quickly stepped in. "Hey, tonight is about celebrating Nicole's recovery! Why are you guys bringing up irrelevant people? That’s a penalty shot for everyone!"

The crowd laughed and downed their drinks, moving on to another topic.

In that instant, I finally saw how pathetic I really was.

Nicole had probably forgotten the way she looked three years ago—battered, covered in blood, clinging to my shirt and pleading with me to save her.

I turned away, sick of listening to her humiliate me behind closed doors.

Just then, a server opened the lounge door with a tray of cocktails.

Every head in the room snapped in my direction.

Before I could take a step, Julian’s voice rang out from the doorway. "Sean? What a surprise! Why didn't you say anything? Come on in and have a drink with us!"

Nicole looked past him at me, her brow furrowed in sheer irritation. "Sean, are you actually stalking me now? I didn't think you could sink this low."

"No, I—"

"Save your excuses. Just looking at you ruins my mood."

Her sharp snap stripped away the last shred of my dignity. Any explanation I had died in my throat.

"I apologize for interrupting. I'll leave," I said stiffly, offering a polite nod.

Julian rushed over and grabbed my wrist, his voice overly sweet. "Since you’re already here, why rush off? Stay and catch up with everyone."

I looked at Nicole. Her gaze was dripping with disdain, sending a dull ache through my ribs.

"No, thanks."

I tried to pull my arm back, but Julian suddenly let go and flung himself backward onto the floor.

The next second, he was clutching his shoulder, his eyes rimmed with red as he looked up at Nicole with trembling lips.

"Sean, I was just trying to be nice... Why did you shove me?" he choked out. "I know you're upset that Nicole brought me instead of you. But Nicole and I have been friends since we were kids. There's nothing going on! If you hate me because of her, I'm sorry..."

I had spent the last decade focusing only on Nicole. I had no idea Julian was such an accomplished actor.

"I didn't touch—"

"Sean, who gave you the damn nerve to lay a finger on my people?" Nicole barked, marching over. "Apologize to Julian right now!"

My heart turned to ice. She had always been like this—cutting me off, never sparing a second to hear my side.

Because she never trusted me.