Natalie clenched her fists and forced a tight smile to hide her trembling lips. But her eyes betrayed her, wide, uncertain, burning with quiet frustration.

“So… you chose her,” she said softly. Her voice cracked halfway.

Her gaze moved to Dexie, who stood calm as ever, as if none of this touched her. The sight only deepened the ache in Natalie’s chest.

Luke did not answer at once. His jaw tightened, his eyes cold and unreadable as they held on to Natalie’s face. His silence was louder ...