Page 124 of Symphony for Lies

His eyes widened in shock.

“I think it was your mother.”

He didn’t say a word. Didn’t deny it. Didn’t try to reason with me.

“Think about it. If you really feel like I’m overreacting, then remember your reaction to Tristan.”

His expression hardened.

“The difference is…” I exhaled shakily. “…I have nothing going on with him. But you… even if you aren’t with Miss. Aria, to the world, you’re engaged.”

Saying those words physically hurt like forcing broken glass down my throat. I took another breath, but it did nothing to ease the weight pressing on my chest.

“And me?” I laughed bitterly, feeling humiliation settle deep in my soul. “I’m the bitch who went after an engaged man.” The words tasted like poison on my tongue. “I don’t want anything to do with the Cole family. Nor with the Aria family. Ever again. So, leave.”

I turned around and walked away. I heard him say my name. A plea, maybe an apology, but I didn’t care. Not anymore.

Grandma was standing in the hallway, waiting.Her face was soft with understanding and pity.

I forced a tired smile onto my lips but didn’t say a word as I walked past her, heading straight upstairs.

In the bathroom, I peeled off my cold clothes and ignored the girl in the mirror who was staring back at me with empty eyes.

The shower was scalding hot, but I barely felt it as I scrubbed myself clean like I could wash away everything.

I went straight to my room, and a few minutes later, my grandmother knocked on my door before entering.

“I read it in the newspaper.”Her voice was quiet, laced with regret. “If I had known about the dress…” She pressed her lips together. “I never would have made it for her.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and pulled her into a hug. “You did good work.”

The pressure in my chest swelled, but I kept my mouth shut. Kept the emotions buried deep.

My grandmother climbed into bed beside me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

Because of her, I didn’t feel so alone.

Chapter 27

The following day came, but it felt like time had stopped. My grandmother and I had breakfast together as if nothing happened. She tried to coax a smile from my lips, but everything felt wrong.

I moved through the day mechanically, functioning like an automaton. My body went through the motions, and my mouth formed the right words, but inside, I was hollow.

I scrolled through the group chat with my friends during my lunch break. It was full of messages asking if I was okay, if I had spoken to Zane, and if the news about his engagement was true.

I typed a short response.

Amelia:

I broke up with him. No big deal. I’m fine.

Then, I put my phone away. Zane had tried to contact me countless times. His messages were long and filled with apologies, but I didn’t read them all. I just blocked his number.

After work, I was walking home when Ivy, my neighbor’s cat, suddenly rushed toward me.

She wove between my legs, her silky fur brushing against my pants.

Frowning, I bent down and scooped her up, gently stroking behind her ears.