Chapter 6. Ruined Reputations

Avery’s POV

I couldn’t move. My knees felt rooted to the ground as I stared at James, unable to reconcile the man I had loved for years with the one standing before me now. He showed no hint of remorse as his gaze lingered on Charles, who groaned in pain beside me.

“You’re pathetic,” James spat, his tone sharp enough to cut glass. His cold eyes swept over Charles, then landed on me. “It’s no wonder you’d turn to someone like him. Weakness attracts weakness.”

Each word hit me like a blow, robbing me of air. My mind raced, replaying the countless moments we’d shared—the promises, the laughter, the plans for a future I’d thought was secure. How could the man I had trusted with my heart look at me with such disdain?

“James…” My voice cracked, trembling under the weight of my disbelief. “How could you?”

His lips twisted into a cruel smile. “You brought this on yourself, Avery. Did you really think you were worthy of standing by my side?”

I swall