Chapter 105

DAHLIA

The door shut behind me with a quiet click, but the sound echoed like thunder in my chest.

I stood there for a second in the hallway, frozen, my fingers still wrapped around the handle, my heart breaking in slow motion.

He didn’t even look at me when I left.

Not once.

I’d gone there hoping for… I don’t know. Maybe a hint of jealousy…I mean I was afraid he would spark. Maybe a word that said I care but I don’t want to make decisions for you. But instead, he looked at me like I was a stranger. Like everything between us had been erased.

The walk down the corridor felt endless. The building was too quiet, the hum of the AC too sharp against the ache in my head. By the time I stepped outside, the air felt heavy and hot, like even the weather knew I was seconds from falling apart.

I didn’t notice Jack until I collided with him.

“Ow…” I stumbled back, and his hand shot out instinctively, steadying me. His eyes widened. “Dahlia? Hey, e