How to fall out

His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel.

"I would've done something."

"I know. That's why I didn't tell you."

His lips parted like he was going to argue—but nothing came out.

The silence returned, but this time it was heavier. Not sharp like before, just… sadder. And I hated it more than the coldness. Because not just because I felt sorry for him but because he reminded me of days I buried in my past. Days of torment...

"Kael," I said softly. "He's the reason you left, isn't he?"

The car kept moving through the sleeping beauty of Rome. But for a second, I wasn't sure if he was breathing.

Then—

"You think it was just him?" Kael said quietly. "Don't insult me."

I turned to him, but he wasn't looking at me.