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"Where's Archer?" I inquire, trying my best to initiate a conversation.
"In his room," Jared informs me in a flat tone as he heads towards the kitchen. "Would you like anything to drink?"
"I'm alright." I exhale, summoning the courage to broach the next topic. "How are you? After yesterday..."
"I've lost my best friend, and my ex-wife thinks I'm a child predator. So, not great," Jared tells me tersely, and I cringe at his response.
"I can talk to Tyler. I'm an adult, and he has no right to behave this way. Our relationship is legal, and it's not predatory in any way. I'm a grown woman," I offer, hoping to lift Jared's spirits, but my words fail to make a difference.
"Just leave Tyler alone. I'll handle it myself," Jared grumbles, leaving the kitchen.
I knew Jared would be upset, but I didn't anticipate him being so distant. Understanding the reason behind his behavior doesn't shield me from feeling hurt.
Taking a leap of faith, I decide to broach the subject, even if it may not be the right time. Perhaps it can lighten the mood.
Moving closer to Jared, who has slumped onto his living room couch, I place my hand on his shoulder and say, "Well, at least now that everyone knows, we don't have to sneak around."
I hoped for a more enthusiastic reaction, but instead, I'm met with an eerie stillness. He doesn't even turn around to look at me.
The silence is agonizing, and I remain frozen, waiting for Jared to respond in some way.
Finally, a deep sigh escapes his lips.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Jared’s gaze is fixed forward. "Us. This. Tyler already hates me. It would only exacerbate the situation," he continues, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.
At first, his words don't register. I'm convinced that I must have misheard him. This can't be happening right now.
"What?" I ask again, mentally scolding myself for the crack in my voice and the tears welling in my eyes.
"I don't think we should continue, Monica," he says, his tone growing more resolute.
"Have the decency to look at me when you say this," I manage to utter, struggling to hold back my emotions at what he's trying to convey.
But I've heard him loud and clear. Jared no longer wants me. While I should have anticipated this outcome when we started seeing each other, I dared to believe that he genuinely liked me. Maybe even loved me. Perhaps I projected my own deep feelings onto him, feelings that he doesn't reciprocate.
Finally, Jared turns around. His face is a mask of stone as he meets my gaze, his eyes icy fire.
"I'm sorry, Monica. But I believe this is the way things need to be," he tells me, devoid of any remorse.
I stare at him, hoping that if I do it long enough, he'll laugh it off as a big prank. But that's not what happens. I could search for the right words to express how much I want this, how much I want us, but it’s futile. He has already made his decision.
So instead, I leave him with a scoff. I grab my bag from where it rests by the door, not daring to turn around for one last look. I make my way out of his apartment, leaving my stupid heart at his cruel feet.
As soon as the door shuts behind me, the floodgates open. Tears stream down my face uncontrollably.
I shouldn't have come here. Hell, I shouldn't have gotten involved with Jared in the first place. Of course, this is how it ends between us. I had foolishly hoped that love would be enough to overcome any obstacles, but clearly, I was mistaken.
CHAPTER26
JARED
"Damn it," I growl as Monica's departure seals the door shut.
If I had deluded myself into thinking that not seeing her would alleviate the situation, that illusion is shattered now. I feel even worse than before she arrived.
How have I managed to ruin so much for myself? I've already lost Tyler, and now Monica as well. The thought of never being able to touch her again, to taste her, to simply be with her, makes my heart feel like it's about to burst out of my chest.
There's so much going wrong in my life right now, and I need to start addressing at least some of it. The first step is dealing with Tyler.
