Cold Realization

Meliza's POV

Elijah had left, his tall figure retreating toward the exit. I watched his men silently rise from their seats at the back of the bar and follow him, their movements precise and disciplined.

His presence had been both disarming and strangely comforting. And for the first time, I felt secure despite the years I had spent hiding from him.

Then, the truth struck me like lightning. I turned my gaze to Ethan. He was the reason I ran away from the man I was supposed to marry, the reason I chose a path filled with uncertainty and pain.

How could I have been so foolish?

I chose Ethan, even after he hurt me. I longed for him, even while telling myself I wanted revenge. I wanted him to beg, to suffer the way I had suffered. But all he ever did was throw insults, cold words meant to wound. Every time we crossed paths, he only pushed me further away.

And yet, my heart had never let go.