Chapter 62. Like a Dagger to the Heart

Jacob

As I watched her leave, I crumbled from within. It took every ounce of strength to resist the urge to rush to her and admit that every word I had uttered was nothing but a fucking lie. Just fucking lies I made sound like the only truth.

Fuck…

The way she had stood at my doorstep, wearing that delicate white dress, her hair still slightly damp, eyes reddened, and the traces of the previous night’s turmoil etched on her face—it broke me. She seemed so fragile and broken, as if the gentlest touch might shatter her further.

What had I done? Damn it!

A defeated sigh escaped my lips. The memory of her tear-stained face, the pain in her eyes, and the tremor in her voice haunted my thoughts. I had already hurt her deeply, and now, with the hurtful words I had spoken, I knew I had pushed her far away. I had set fire to the bridge that connected me to my life, my dreams, my peace, and everything I held dear.

She had been the only light I’d ever