Suddenly, I felt utterly drained—exhausted from walking the tightrope between these two men. I felt like a puppet, hollowed out, just going through the motions.

And from the very beginning, nothing had ever been in my control.

I was tired of being played by either of them.

Looking at Vincent, disappointment weighed heavy in my chest. "Vincent, stop. The more you act like this, the harder it is for me to accept you."

My voice trembled. I ...