Forsaking the Years of Longing

Chapter 34 He didn't look well. Though he was still impeccably dressed, even wearing the same cologne I'd picked for him in the past, something about him seemed drained, as if he'd lost his spark. When he saw me, his eyes locked onto mine, unblinking, as if I were the only thing in his line of vision.

I had no intention of greeting him, but Jason stepped toward me anyway.

I took a step back, cutting him off. "Are you here to see Callan?"

Jason shook his head. "No, I'm here specifically to stop you."

"What's this about? Married life bothering you already? Is Callan suddenly incapable of driving himself home? Or do you just enjoy playing chauffeur now?"

The blatant malice in his tone made me frown. "And what does that have to do with you?"

"You didn't used to be like this!" Jason suddenly roared, startling me.

"You never treated me this way before! Why him? Why does Callan get this from you?"

"Because he's my husband!"

My voice was louder than his, and Jason froze, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"Jason, I've told you countless times - we're over. I've told you, I've told your parents, and even the entire internet knows. Why do you keep pretending you don't?"

"You don't get to decide we're over! I don't agree!" Jason's eyes turned red, filled with stubbornness and unwillingness to let go.

"You were with me for five years. I know better than anyone how much you loved me. How can you just turn around and marry someone else? What the hell do you take me for?"

I nodded with a bitter laugh. "Exactly. I was with you for five years, loyal to you like a dog. And now that I've turned my back, you're unhappy and unwilling to let it go.

Seeing me with Callan, you want to win me back -not because you love me, but to prove to Callan how easily I'll fall for you again and again. Isn't that it?" "Does that sound familiar?"

Watching Jason's face pale, I smirked, my tone dripping with mockery.

"Those five years? I gave willingly. I have nothing to regret and nothing left to say.

I broke up with you because I finally saw you for who you really are-not to spite you. And being with Callan now isn't to anger you either. You don't deserve to occupy my mind like that."

I exhaled, glancing at my watch.

"My husband is about to get off work. You should leave. He's quite jealous, and I'd rather not have to go home and calm him down over some misunderstanding."

I turned to leave, but Jason grabbed me from behind, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

"You can't go. I won't let you leave!"