In the next breath, Ambrose, who had been silent up until now, stepped forward. Without a word, he captured Scarlett in a lingering kiss, his lips pressing against hers with a passion that had been locked away for years.
Hazel couldn’t hold back anymore. Tremors wracked her body as tears streamed down her cheeks.
They had loved each other for ten years, yet every time Hazel had tried to kiss Ambrose, he turned away. Back then, she had convinced herself it was his shyness, his reserved nature. She never imagined that all his yearning, all the love he had buried deep inside, was meant for Scarlett.
They had shared countless nights together, tangled in the intimacy of the same bed, yet Ambrose had kept a piece of himself untouched, reserved for the one he truly loved.
Hazel’s nails bit into her palms, the sharp sting almost suffocating. She cast her gaze downward, her eyes falling on the high heels that felt too tight, too heavy.
They were a gift from Ambrose for their engagement, sparkling crystal diamonds that caught the light like a thousand stars. The shoes were as expensive as they were beautiful, a fairytale dream brought to life. Hazel had fallen in love with them the moment she saw them.
But no matter how stunning they were, they were one size too small, and the pain from wearing them had left her feet bloodied and raw.
Without a second thought, she slipped them off and tossed them into the trash.
Shoes that didn’t fit, no matter how dazzling, weren’t worth keeping.
And a marriage that didn’t fit, no matter how much love it held, wasn’t worth salvaging.
Just as she reached for her phone to call a cab, Ambrose appeared behind her. His voice sliced through the air, calling her name.
Hazel turned, meeting his gaze. The moment their eyes locked, Ambrose released Scarlett’s hand, guilt flickering in his eyes as he noticed the bruise on Hazel’s face.
“You’re sober now? I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just wanted to snap you out of it before things went too far.”
Hazel glanced at Scarlett, and Ambrose quickly added, “It’s not what it looks like. Let me explain…”