Stefan stood there for a long time after the car drove away, staring at the empty road like he could somehow will it to bring her back. But it didn't. Of course, it didn't. She was gone.
The cold morning air clung to his skin, but he barely noticed. His hand dropped slowly to his side where it had almost touched hers. That brief second—that one moment when he thought he could stop her—was gone now. Just like she was.
He let out a breath, heavy and broken, as he dragged his fingers through his hair.
That didn't go the way he thought it would. Not even close.
In his mind, he imagined her looking shocked, maybe even upset—but not like this. Not filled with so much pain. So much anger. Her words still echoed in his ears:
"You made a choice, Stefan. So live with it."
That had cut deeper than anything else. Because she was right. He had made a choice.
And now he was standing here, feeling the weight of it settle into his chest like a stone he couldn't shake off.
