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I knew, and that knowledge…

What was I supposed to do with this confusing, confounding information?

I hate it.

“You should leave,” I said, crossing my arms, trying hard not to give in.

This had already gone too far.

He stood up and walked out.

It took me a while to collect myself. To put myself back together.

I hated myself for what I had almost let myself do.

I jerked when I heard another knock.

“Enzo, I told…”

“It’s Irene. I come bearing hot chocolate doused in rum. My favorite thing to drink when the world is falling apart,” she said, her voice chipper.

I clenched my teeth, faking a smile.

I couldn’t fail now, after I had come so far. What happened with Enzo was a small glitch. It could happen. It was nothing to worry about.

“Come in.”

She placed the mug in front of me.

“Drink, and you’ll feel the magic.”

I took a sip and gave her a smile. Staring into her eyes brought back the clarity I needed. I wasn’t shaking anymore. I wasn’t second-guessing all the decisions I had made.

I had come too far to turn back now. The only place to go was ahead.

“Thank you for this.”

“Do you need anything else?” she asked.

“Did Ryden find anything about your guy?” I asked.

“No, he’s still checking,” Irene said with a groan.

I could wait until her date.

Then I’d finish what I’d started years ago.

It ended with her. Everything.

Yara’s birthday was getting closer, and everything had to happen without a single thread leading back to me. Just one last piece left to put in place.

After that...

Life would finally be the way it was always meant to be.

Just Yara and me.

Just us.