We say goodbye to Tyler and Dani after lunch, leaving them at the table.
Lucas and I head off together and step outside, the sun bright overhead, laughter still lingering between us.
We’re halfway to the car when I see him—leaning against a nearby wall, shadows under his eyes, clothes wrinkled, jaw tight, a cigarette in his hand.
Sean.
My heart lurches. I freeze mid-step, breath catching painfully in my throat. The air thickens around me, like the heat and fear are pressing in from all sides. I don’t know what to do. I just want to run.
He sees me too. Straightens up slowly, flicking the cigarette away. Then his gaze shifts and lands on Lucas beside me.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he spits, voice low and sharp with bitterness.
Lucas doesn’t flinch. He steps in front of me protectively, like it’s instinct. Like shielding me is second nature.
“Let it go mate,” Lucas says calmly, but there’s a warning in his voice. I sense he’s holding back.
Sean’s eyes narrow on me. “So, this is it?” He points a finger at Lucas. “You’re with him now?”
The fear in my chest fizzles into anger.
Fuck him. He has no right to say anything about my life—notanymore. And he sure as hell doesn’t deserve to know the details.
I move myself beside Lucas, forcing myself to stand a little taller.
“I amnotyour business anymore,” I say, surprised at how steady I sound.
“I knew it.” Sean’s voice rises in accusation. “How long has this been going on?”
Lucas takes a step forward, his jaw clenched, voice low and dangerous. He practically growls, “back off, Sean. Last fucking chance to walk away.”
Sean sneers in response, but I see it—the flicker of uncertainty. The way his eyes dart between us, the way he sways slightly on his feet like he hasn’t slept in days. He’s unravelling.
“Whatever,” he mutters finally, shaking his head. “You’ll get sick of her eventually and I’ll be here, ready to watch her crawl back to me.”
Then he turns and walks away, shoulders hunched and pace uneven.
I realise I’ve been holding my breath. My whole body is trembling, adrenaline still spiking through me.
Lucas turns instantly, his eyes scanning my face.
“You okay?” he asks, voice soft now, threaded with concern.
I nod, even though my heart is still racing and my hands won’t stop shaking. “I think so.”
He steps closer and gently cups my face in his hand, his thumb brushing across my cheek.
“You never have to deal with him alone, Cam. Not anymore.”
Something inside me eases at his words, the tightness in my chest loosening. I lean into him, grounding myself in his presence. Grateful. And maybe just a little bit in love.
He slides his hands down to take mine, steadying them between us. “And if you ever need to talk about him—really talk about what happened—I want you to know I’m here.”
Lucas holds my gaze.
I glance up at him, startled by the depth in his voice.
“From what you’ve told me about how Sean treated you… it sounds like it was a form of abuse. A kind that’s not always easy for the victim to recognize. It’s important to talk to someone. Well, that’s what my mum says. She even convinced me to see someone after Dad died.
