Pretending to move on.

Jackson hadn't left yet.

He was still standing there, arms crossed, gaze flickering between the path and the door.

He hadn't expected Lucian to just stand there, frozen, as Aiden walked away.

He had expected, hoped, for something more. But now, as Aiden approaches, Jackson sighs and shakes his head.

"Oh, heavens! I can't believe how useless Lucian is," Jackson scoffs the moment Aiden reaches him. "I did all of this so he'd stop you. So he'd make you stay. But what did he do? He just stood there and watched you walk away."

Aiden halts in front of him, his expression hardening. But then, a smirk tugs at his lips. "Hey! Watch your mouth," he warns, eyes flashing. "Call him useless one more time, and you'll find out exactly who you're messing with."

Jackson sighs, rubbing his temples. "Why are you this stubborn, Aiden? Come on, man. Is this really necessary?"