Chapter 22 Winter on the other side of the Atlantic. Jace tightened his coat around him, cradling a thick textbook as he hurried across the open plaza outside the library. Life in a foreign country felt like someone had pressed the slow-motion button-and then hit mute. Gone were the noisy pursuits and choreographed run-ins. Time now stretched long and quiet. He got used to spending late nights in the library, sipping bad coffee and surviving on cold sandwiches. Therapy continued. In that still, breath-silent room, he stopped trying to armor himself with anger or silence. Bit by bit, clumsily but honestly, he began to dissect what had gone wrong. He remembered every disappointed look Sloane had given him. He remembered all the moments he had taken her for granted. He remembered how arrogantly he had believed she would never leave. The pain was still sharp, but he no longer tried to bury it. He learned to live with it. And in that steady, dull ache, his understanding of love and responsibility slowly began to take shape. Growth, he discovered, was a solitary journey. He stumbled, but he never turned back. Marissa's messages and calls had flooded in for the first few months. At first, her tone was wounded. Then it became angry. Eventually, it was just tired pleading. [When are you coming back?] [What's over there that's so special? Is there someone else?] [Are we really over?] At first, he gave short, cold replies. Then, nothing. Not a word, He had nothing left to give-no love, no hatred, not even annoyance. Chapter 22 100.00% three words: [I get it.] After that, there was only silence. The girl who once caused a tidal wave between him and Sloane had disappeared like a stone dropped into the ocean. No ripple, no trace. His world finally went quiet. Back in Southridge, the winter sun warmed the city with its gentle glow. Sloane's life, once painted in shades of gray, was now filled with vivid color. Her dance career was flourishing. She started competing in intercollegiate events and even landed a few commercial gigs. On every stage, she stood confident and radiant, drawing more and more recognition. In the club, she became the big sister figure everyone trusted. The pain and self-doubt that once gnawed at her were long replaced by steady growth and a sense of accomplishment. She no longer needed anyone to define her worth. Her world was solid, expansive, and hers. One ordinary evening, she and Eli were walking back from the library. The setting sun cast long shadows, their silhouettes stretching down the campus path. They had just finished discussing plans for next semester's dance showcase. As they passed the infamous Lovers' Slope, couples strolled hand in hand around them. Eli slowed his pace, then turned to her, eyes calm and sincere. "Sloane," he said softly. "Yeah?" She stopped and looked up. The golden light outlined his quiet, handsome features. "I told you I would wait until you were ready," he said softly. "Now I want to ask you again... Would you let me stay by your side as your boyfriend?" Sloane looked at him. She thought of all the times he had shown up just when she needed him. She thought of the boundaries he Chapter 22 100.00% always respected, the unwavering support he offered, and the quiet hope in his eyes now. She had once lost the courage to believe in love. But he had helped her rebuild it, piece by piece. She smiled, her eyes bright and clear like sunlight breaking through the clouds. "Yes," she said, her voice light and sure. Eli's eyes lit up with joy. He reached out gently, took her hand in his. They didn't say anything more. They just smiled at each other and continued walking, fingers intertwined, down the sun-drenched path. Behind them was a past they had both let go. Ahead was a new road-shared, open, and full of hope. Prologue