Chapter 5
For more than two weeks straight, Jared was everywhere–every party, every get–together, every flashy event. His Twitter was a highlight reel: snapshots from the beach, private rooms, glitzy galas. No matter where I looked, there he was, always in the thick of it.
And me? I kept torturing myself, opening every photo he posted, zooming in to catch every detail, then shutting them just as fast. It was like I needed to hurt myself over and over, trying to squeeze out whatever hope I still had left for Jared. Maybe if I got disappointed enough, I’d finally be able to let go for real.Z
After five years together, I could recognize his friends by their shoes or their laugh. Even the ones I’d never actually met felt familiar–just names and stories woven into our lives. I could spot them anywhere, just from a glance.
But lately, there was this girl–always in the background, sometimes right next to him. Someone I’d never heard about, never seen before. And every time I saw her, it hit me harder: Jared and I were drifting so far apart, I couldn’t even see the shoreline anymore.
I was still staring blankly at my phone when Juno’s video call came through.”
“Elise! There’s a gala in two days. My dad’s making me go, and I absolutely refuse to bring a date. Please, will you come with me?” she begged, her eyes shining. Juno is my best friend–born rich, but with zero attitude. Her smile is so big and genuine, it lights up a room. We met in the hospital, too. Back when I’d just lost my voice, even asking for help was a struggle. Nurses were always busy, and I couldn’t call out–l’d just sit there, frustrated and helpless.
Juno happened to see me one day and stopped to help, and just like that, we clicked. She’s the kind of friend who taught herself sign language just so we could talk. Watching her now, fumbling a little with her hands on video, made my heart ache in the best way.
I’d been planning to stay home, but when I saw the hope in her eyes, I couldn’t say no. So I agreed.
What I didn’t expect was to see Jared at the party.
He looked perfect in a tailored suit, with a gorgeous woman hanging onto his arm. The second she saw me, she shot me a glare, pure hostility in her eyes–like she’d Been waiting for this.
It was her–the same girl from all those photos. The one who always seemed to be by his side..
Jared’s face changed the moment he saw me. “Elise, what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice tight.”
For a second, it looked like he was about to sign to me–something we’d always done. But then, with everyone watching, he hesitated. He dropped his hand, forced a stiff, awkward smile, and just said it out loud.}
“Mr. Clarkson, isn’t your fiancée mute? Oh, right, just like you used to be a deaf–mute. If you don’t use sign language, how is she supposed to understand you?” another CEO chimed in, clearly enjoying himself at Jared’s expense. He’d always had it out for Jared.
I’d been through this before–the ridicule, the snide remarks. Back then, Jared and I would just shrug it off and laugh about it later. It never really got to us; if anything, it made the other guy look petty.
But this time, Jared’s embarrassment was obvious. He grabbed my arm and hurried me off to a quiet corner, his hands flying as he signed to me in a rush.
