No one answers, which says everything.
“I fought for him,” I snap. “When Toby and Calista tried to sabotage his company. When none of you wanted to hire him, I was the one who believed in him. Not because I was manipulated, but because he deserved it.”
Beck mutters, “…Ella—“
“No, I’m not done. You want to act like he’s the reason Calista slapped me? Then by that logic, every horrible thing that’s happened to me because of your choices should be blamed on you, right? Should I blame Beck for my accident? Zane for what happened? Jace for the break-in?”
Their breath stutters.
“Exactly,” I whisper. “You’re being hypocrites.”
Zane rubs his temples. “We just didn’t want you to get hurt.”
“Well, guess what?” I whisper fiercely. “You hurt me. All three of you. More than Cole ever has.”
Their faces fall all at once, and I know they finally understand. Or at least hear it.
I shake my head, brushing tears away. “I loved him. I still love him. And instead of being happy for me, you made me feel stupid for it.”
Zane steps forward like he wants to hug me, but I back away.
“No,” I whisper. “Don’t. Not right now.”
I turn and walk toward the hallway.
“Ella—“ Beck calls, voice cracking.
I don’t stop. “I need space.”
I run upstairs before the tears fully spill. When I reach my room, I shut the door and press my back against it, sinking to the floor as the sob I’ve been holding back for days finally breaks free.
A soft knock comes a minute later, followed by Ava’s voice. “Shiloh? It’s me. Please let me in.”
I hesitate, but I know her well enough to know she won’t stop until I let her in. I force myself up and open the door.
“What do you want?” I sniff, wrapping my arms around myself.
“I heard everything. I think the whole ranch did. Are you okay?” she asks.
“Do I look okay?” I retort.
“Of course not. Stupid of me to ask.”
She steps in, holding her arms out. “C’mere.”
Without thinking, I crumble into her embrace, and we drop onto the floor. She holds me until I can breathe again, rubbing slow circles over my back.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you,” she soothes.
“I’m so tired,” I whisper. “I’m tired of pretending I don’t hurt.”
“I know,” she murmurs. “You’ve been carrying it alone for too long.”
I pull back, wiping tears with the heel of my hand. “They think Cole is the problem. But he’s not. Only he thinks that now and is pulling away from me. I don’t want to lose him, Ava,” I cry.
She tilts her head gently. “Maybe you should ask why he pulled away.”
I stiffen. “What do you mean? He pulled away because he’s a coward.”
