I’d fallen in love with Ro.
I closed my eyes. My friends had tried to warn me. Enzo had tried to warn me. Even Tristan had tried to warn me.
This pain would dull eventually. I’d survive. I dragged in some deep breaths. He was leaving, but I’d survive.
God, it hurt. There would be no more smiles, no more fairy queens whispered in my ear, no more working together, or waking up together.
I always knew he’d leave.
I pressed my hands to my chest, like I could hold the pieces of my heart together. I’d get over this. I knew what it was to love and lose it. I knew it didn’t kill you.
It hurt like hell, but you stayed breathing whether you wanted to or not.
There was a knock at my door.God. My pulse jumped. I didn’t want to talk to him. Not now.
I turned and saw my aunt. Relief washed over me. “Hi, what are you doing here?”
“I was dropping a delivery off. Allie sourced some local soaps from my shop that she’s going to use in some of the rooms. I figured I’d stop by and see my girl.”
I hugged her. Hard.
“Oh, hey.” She patted my back. “What’s wrong, pretty girl?”
“Nothing. I just needed a hug.”
She led me over to a chair in front of my desk and made me sit. She knelt beside me. “What’s wrong?”
I heard the love, the concern. She’d been giving me that every day of my life.
“I don’t want to worry you.”
She took my hand and squeezed. “Tessa, I’ve been worrying about you since you were born. My job as your aunt and primary caregiver is to worry about you. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Tears filled my eyes. “Ro’s leaving.”
“Oh, my darling.” She squeezed my hand again.
“It was always the plan. My feelings changed. He did nothing wrong and made me no promises.” I dashed the tears away. “I know it’ll pass.”
“Tessa—”
“No.” I squeezed her fingers. “I promise I’ll be fine. Tomorrow, I’ll be my usual self, getting on with things.”
“Stop it.” Emily’s voice was sharp.
I blinked.
“You are allowed to feel. You don’t need to pretend you’re fine with me.”
“I don’t want to worry you.”
She cupped my cheek. “Darling girl, it’s not your job to make my life easy.” She frowned. “You’ve always been so good, followed the rules, got good grades, never faltered. I’ve always worried you pushed yourself too hard.”
“I didn’t want to cause you more trouble,” I whispered. “You took me in and it changed your entire life. I didn’t want to make anything harder than it already was.”
Shock was a quick slap to her face. “You weren’t a burden, Tessa. You weren’t trouble. You were a gift.”
“Em—”
