Like that life didn’t count for shit.
My jaw tightens as I guide her across the street, the light changing just as we hit the curb.
Truth is, I’m kinda pissed at her.
She thought we were already over.
That there was nothing left to fight for.
That there was nothing left to hold on to.
But I let out a long breath, and with it—my anger dissipates.
Because whatever Esme thought, she thought wrong.
So fucking wrong.
Because whether or not it was legal?
She was mine.
She’s still mine.
Always has been.
And I’m done pretending otherwise.
Done letting paperwork—or lack of it—decide something that was written into my bones the second I laid eyes on her.
This? This was always how it was going to end.
With my ring on her finger.
My name tied to hers.
Our hearts bound together.
Mine.
In every way that matters.
We stop in front of it—the chapel.
And I watch the moment she takes it in.
It’s small.
Almost laughable compared to the chaos surrounding it.
A little slice of quiet tucked between neon monstrosities and flashing signs advertising things I don’t even bother reading.
“Benji,” Esme breathes beside me.
I don’t look at her.
If I do?
I might see doubt.
