I met his gaze, my voice calm but cold. “Grateful? For what? Being your second choice?” I stepped forward, the bouquet slipping from my hands. “Tell me, Tristan—are these the same roses you used with Selene? I saw Selene's post earlier while I was scrolling, she was in a tub, full of petals. You really are amazing…” I sarcastically added.
Tristan's jaw clenched, but he didn’t deny it.
I smirked, bitter and broken. “I don’t need second-hand flowers. And I sure as hell don’t need a second-hand man.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re acting ridiculous. Don't you know how lucky you are?.”
I laughed—a bitter, hollow sound. “Lucky? For what? Being treated like an afterthought?” I stepped closer, my voice sharp. “I deserve better than this. Better than you.”
Tristan opened his mouth to argue, but I was done listening.
“Get out, Tristan.”
For the first time in years, I felt something close to peace. Even if it hurts like hell.
Tristan’s face twisted into something cold and cruel, his voice sharp. “Ember, what right do you have to talk to me like this? Don’t forget—you’re living in my house. I’m the Alpha. And I’m the one supporting you.”
His words hit like a slap. I bit my lip to keep from snapping back.
The oven beeped, cutting through the tension. I turned away, grateful for the distraction. I slipped on oven mitts and pulled out the cake. The scent of chocolate filled the air, warm and bittersweet.
Tristan’s gaze lingered on the cake, confusion flickering across his face. His brows furrowed. “Is today… your birthday?”
A hollow laugh escaped me before I could stop it. Of course, he didn’t remember. Today wasn’t just my birthday—it was also the third anniversary of our relationship. Three years. Three long, exhausting years.
“I’ll make it up to you,” he said quickly, guilt softening his tone. “We can go this afternoon. Pick out a bigger engagement ring. Whatever you want.”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. Whatever I want. As if a ring could fix everything. As if I didn’t already know where his heart truly lay.
He sat across from me, his usual charming mask slipping back into place. “Ember, you need to stop being so jealous of Selene. We were together a long time ago. It’s over.”
Over.