His eyes flicked to mine, jaw clenched. "Knew it," he said. "You're still mad about the wedding being canceled yesterday, huh?" Mr. Specter ducked out to give us space. As the door clicked shut, Owen came closer. "I told you-Vanessa hurt her leg. That's why I canceled. Why are you being so petty?" I kept my voice even. "I'm not mad. Just tired. I need a break." He crossed his arms, frowning. "Then take a vacation. Quitting like this makes it seem like you've got beef with Vanessa.

How's a young girl like her supposed to stay here if people start whispering?" He forgot. All my vacation days? Burned on every wedding he bailed on. But sure-let's worry about poor Vanessa. The thought left me hollow. My eyes drifted to the mark on his neck. I didn't say a word. He caught me looking and covered it fast. "It's a mosquito bite. Don't overthink it." Weird. No fight, just… excuses. Sloppy ones. Ones I used to fall for. I nodded, kept quiet.

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Owen let out a breath and grinned, slinging an arm around my shoulder. "That's more like it. A good lawyer knows how to let stuff go. Don't quit over this, okay? I'll make it up to you-dinner at Lunaire tonight." I didn't say a word. He took my silence as a yes. I'd meant to say goodbye, keep it clean. Now? I didn't even feel like bringing up Caverton. "Owen!" Vanessa barged in like she owned the place. He flinched and dropped his arm. Vanessa gave this fake little laugh.

"Sorry to crash your date, but I really need help. I'm confused about this case…" Without a glance my way, he walked over, took the file, and leaned in to ask what part she didn't get. She cozied right up to him. They whispered like I wasn't even there, locked in their own little bubble. Then she linked her arm through his and strutted out with him. Just before the door shut, she turned, flashed me a smug little smile-then yanked it closed hard. Bang. The empty office went still.

And then-crack. My bracelet snapped clean off and shattered across the floor. No warning. It was our first anniversary gift. Owen said it symbolized how perfect and unbreakable we were. I stared for a beat, then quietly picked up the pieces, ignoring the sting. Tossed them-and the last of whatever we had-straight in the trash.