Chapter 13 Tanner stood waiting outside my building, a cake box dangling from his hand.[] I hadn't told anyone but my mom my address-he must've stalked my IG geotags.] His eyes scanned my face, lingering. "You look thinner."] I almost scoffed. If only he knew I'd actually gained weight thanks to Tristan's cooking.] "I know you don't want me here," he began, voice strained. "But I had to try."[] He shoved his phone toward me-a messages thread with Ayla, now blocked.] ended it with her. For good. Does that change anything?" ]] "No," I said, tone flat. "It doesn't. We're over. Stop coming here."] His composure cracked. "Addie, please-don't shut me out like this." He reached for my hand, his grip shaky. "Yell at me. Hit me. I don't care-just don't say we're done."[] I snatched my hand back and flung the cake box into a nearby trash bin. "What's the point? Where was this energy when it actually mattered?" My voice turned icy. "You called me a crybaby. A drama queen. But you knew-you knew I was raised being loved. I never cried over anyone until you." "You told me you picked Michigan for me-so we could be together. I believed you. I was happy... until I found out it was really for her." I shook my head. "You played us both. And I was the idiot who trusted you. ' Tanner stood frozen, speechless.[] "That night you ghosted me during training camp? I was worried sick. I fell. I was bleeding. And you?"] My voice sharpened. " You were holding her. " "Addie, I'm sorry-I didn't know you were-"] "You didn't want to know," I cut him off. "You loved having your 'bro' who acted like your girlfriend. No commitment, all the benefits." I slapped him-hard.] He didn't flinch. Tears welled in his eyes.[] "You disgust me, Tanner."]] Chapter 13 As I turned, he grabbed my wrist, desperate. "I never liked her! Not like that! The posts-I just wanted to get a reaction out of you!"] He was fully sobbing now. "We have over ten years together, Addie... I can't just let you go. I'll cut off every girl-I swear. Just please... don't leave."]] Just then, Tristan came down, apron on, expression annoyed.[] "Food's ready. You planning on eating or what?"]] I gestured toward the grocery bag. "Take the ribs up first."[] He raised a brow. "You serious? I made tiramisu and Korean double-fried chicken. You were begging for this."[] Right. I'd almost forgotten.]] "I'm coming," I said, pulling my wrist free.]] "Who the hell is he?" Tanner asked, voice breaking.] Tristan stepped between us, unimpressed.] "Dude, wipe your nose. This isn't The Bachelor."]] )(0)