Page 211 of Collide

Her touch is steady. And for the first time, I seeher. Not the woman who tore my family apart. Just a woman who loved the wrong person and carries the cost of it in her bones.

In some ways, I can relate.

“I care so much about him,” I confess, voice breaking open.

She nods, squeezing my hand.

“Everyone wants me to give him up.” The words crack free. “But does that mean sacrificing the one thing that makes me happy?”

“There’s danger in being wrapped up in someone like that,” she says gently. “You risk losing yourself altogether. And you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.”

“I…” I hesitate, the weight of her pressing heavy on my chest. “I think he is. He wants me. He chose me.”

Her face is soft, no judgment in her eyes. She sits there and listens—really listens.

In that moment, my heart softens. Not forgiveness. But maybe a step toward understanding.

“I always thought you didn’t care,” I whisper.

She smiles sadly, squeezing my hand tighter. “I care more than you’ll ever know.”

Silence settles between us, but it’s not uncomfortable anymore. It’s something else—something almost like peace.

And as I look into her eyes, I see it—the same fear that haunts me. The fear that loving someone could be the thing that destroys you.

My phone has been buzzing nonstop—texts from my team, my family, people I haven’t spoken to in years. The sheer volume of it all is overwhelming…but exhilarating.

But before I can eventhinkabout letting it sink in, there’s a knock on my door. I open it and see him.

Broderick.With flowers.

Tulips.

He isn’t supposed to be here. I know he’s flying to Europe in the morning for a last-minute business trip that will keep him away for weeks. But still, here he is, leaning against my doorway like he owns the place, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Didn’t want to leave without saying congratulations. Here.” His voice is soft, his eyes lingering on me as he hands me the bouquet.

I grin, trying to act casual even though my heart races. “You didn’t have to come all the way here just for that.”

He steps inside with a shrug. “Maybe not. But I wanted to. Before I left, anyway.”

For a moment, we stand there, something unspoken thickening the air. His fingers twitch like he wants to reach for me, but doesn’t.

“I’ll be back in a few weeks,” he murmurs. “Try not to take over the world without me.”

I smile, about to say something back, but before I can close the door, another voice slices through the room like a blade.

“She’ll manage just fine.”

His voice stops me in my tracks.

Alex.

He stands in the hallway, leaning casually against the wall, but his eyes—those sharp eyes—cut between Broderick and me, his jaw tight enough to crack.

“Good to see you too, Alex.” Broderick’s tone is cool, like this isn’t about to explode.

Alex rakes a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Do you always show up unannounced atmygirlfriend’s apartment the night before you leave town?” he says, stepping inside.