The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Yvette froze. "Sherry actually had it in her to break up with you?"

Gavin nodded, his chest tightening as if a thousand needles were piercing him. "She told me not to come looking for her anymore."

He'd always been so sure that Sherry loved him and that she'd never walk away. That confidence had made him careless, thinking she'd let any mistake slide. He'd forgotten Sherry was only human, that she could hurt just as much as anyone else.

"This wasn't just some stupid fight. She's made up her mind. She thinks she'll be better off without me," Gavin said.

Yvette took in the pain etched across his face, then moved closer, wrapping her arms around him. "How could she not see what she's losing? Doesn't she realize someone else is going to swoop in and take you?"

Her words stung like salt rubbed into an open wound.

"But I don't want anyone else. Just her," Gavin mumbled.

Yvette knew if she brought herself into the question, Gavin would undoubtedly respond by saying that if he'd ever loved her, they would've been together years ago. So, she decided to stay close to him, clinging to the hope that someday, somehow, he'd grow to love her.

patted his back. "It's alright.

thoughts wandered back in time. He recalled that first get-together

and asked Sherry, "You don't mind me being such a close friend

had darkened, but she shook her head. "Of course

Sherry showed up, Yvette would nudge her aside and latch onto

into things. He always assured her she was. That was, until the day Sherry finally cracked, confessing she couldn't deal with her partner being so close

it as irrational jealousy. But now... Gavin fixed his gaze on

she asked,

with how things turned

"Why would I be?"

broke up," he said, emphasizing every

should go. I can't stand to look