Chapter 34

EMILIA

He’s standing near the entrance, laughing at something one of his friends said. Becca is tucked into his side, she’s practically glowing with happiness. Her smile is so breathtaking it knocks the breath out of my lungs.

She looks beautiful, but for once, that painful knot of jealousy in my chest that grows around a beautiful woman doesn’t come. Not even a little.

Not like it used to.

I think back on how insecure I used to be around Tessa. Sometimes it’s hard not to be, but I don’t find myself comparing my every flaw to her perfections anymore.

Or maybe it’s because I tossed out the maternity gowns Zane loved to stuff me into and finally started doing what I want. Wearing clothes I like, putting on makeup because I want to.

A smile tugs at my lips.

But before it can fully form, Zane looks up.

And freezes.

I can see shock take over him like a bucket of ice-cold water dumped over his head. He looks at me from head to toe, lik