Vin’s heartbreak.

Vin bowed his head, his hand rising to cover his face as if to shield himself from the rawness of the moment. He had anticipated this, seen the signs, and yet hearing it spoken aloud made the reality inescapable. The pain was sharp, a deep ache that settled in his chest and made it hard to breathe. He stayed in that position for several long moments, the silence between them stretching on as he tried to gather the strength to look up.

When he finally did, his eyes were red and watery, but there was a reluctant acceptance there too. He had always known, deep down, that Annabelle's heart had never truly left Edwards. And now, confronted with the truth, he had no choice but to let go. He forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I knew this was coming," he said quietly, his voice strained but calm. "I just… I wasn't ready to take it in yet."