Chapter 251

chapter of my life. In that moment, the truth hit me with crushing clarity-he had truly loved me. Only real love could hurt this deeply.

An oppressive silence filled the room. Neither Jace nor I spoke. My tears fell silently, one after another, like they would never end. The only sound was the soft ticking of the clock on the wall, marking each second of this endless night.

After what felt like hours, I glanced at the clock-it was past midnight. I turned to look at Jace, who had remained quietly by my side the entire time. The bruises from Drew's punch were beginning to darken on his face, creating an angry pattern across his features.

"Should we go to the hospital?" I asked softly.

He seemed startled by my question, as if only just remembering the injury. "No need. It'll fade in a few days," he replied, his voice equally quiet.

"Thank you," I said, not for the first time that night. As he opened his mouth to respond, I continued, "I don't know how I can ever repay you for this."