---- It was done. As I turned to leave, Gerard called out. He looked completely lost. "what did you really feel for me? Sometimes it felt like you loved me more than anything. But now you're walking away like none of it mattered. Did you ever love me?" His eyes searched mine like he was trying to find a version of himself still living in my heart. Then he stepped closer, voice soft. "T was excited when Nadine was born. It was my first time being a dad. Losing her wrecked me too. But we could try again. Why are you walking away like it's nothing?" Empty words. Yeah, maybe there could be another child. ---- But there would never be another Nadine. I raised my heel and slammed it down on his foot. "You already have another kid to screw up. Nadine was mine. Only mine. She never loved you-and neither did I. You were nothing but a donor. A means to an end. Just a body we used to bring her into this world. That's all you ever were." Then I walked past the flashing cameras and climbed into the car. Gerard didn't want love. He wanted control-his obedient little toy back in line. But I'm nota toy. And he was never worth a real heart. Anyone who loses me, loses me for good. That truth never goes out of style.