Chapter 2

Ethan moves fast. That same night, he's at Sophie's place.

Three full days. Not a single call. Not a single text.

On the third day, I find him at a bar.

Inside the VIP booth, under the haze of neon lights, Ethan is speaking. Actually talking.

Sophie coaches him like a child learning to talk, and he repeats after her, halting but audible:

"I'm Ethan Lawson… Being with Sophie… makes me happy."

His buddies erupt.

"Holy shit! Audrey spent eight years trying to get him to talk, and Sophie pulls it off in two days?"

I push the door open.

Marcus spots me first and rushes over.

"Audrey! Perfect timing!"

He spins around, grinning. "Ethan, come on — say something to Audrey! She's been waiting for this for years!"

Ethan looks up at me.

His mouth opens.

Nothing comes out.

The silence stretches. Everyone shifts uncomfortably.

Marcus forces a laugh. "He just started talking again, you know? Give it a few more days. He'll get there."

I almost laugh.

Eight years couldn't make him speak. A few more days is supposed to fix that?

I transfer money into Ethan's account.

"Ethan, this is the refund from the canceled wedding. I'm sending back your half. The apartment is already listed — when it sells, we split it fifty-fifty. And this—"

I hold out the engagement ring. "Take it back."

He frowns. Signs: What are you doing?

"We're done. It's over."

"Audrey, don't be impulsive." Sophie walks over, her voice dripping with concern. "Your boyfriend and I are only living together to treat his condition. There's nothing going on between us. Please don't misunderstand."

Nothing going on?

A man who hasn't spoken in eight years suddenly finds his voice for her.

And I'm supposed to believe it's innocent?

"Sophie." Ethan speaks again — out loud. For her. "You're doing a good thing. You don't have to… explain yourself to her."

Right. No need to explain to me.

My fiancé moved in with another woman. What's left to explain?

I turn and walk out.

Marcus catches up within seconds.

"Audrey, listen — the therapist recommended this. He said close, hands-on contact is the best way to help Ethan start talking again."

He grabs my arm, earnest and pleading. "This is a good thing! You've always wanted him to get better, right? Don't blow this because you're pissed off."

"I'm not pissed off." My voice is perfectly calm. "You're right. Sophie helping Ethan is a good thing. I support them."

If she's his redemption, then fine.

I'll step aside.

That night, Sophie texts me.

[Audrey, don't be upset with Ethan~ Living together is the doctor's idea. It's called immersive exposure therapy. We're basically like family!]

Then she sends a photo. Ethan, asleep on her couch.

[Your boyfriend is doing great here! Don't worry, I'll take good care of him for you!]

[He said so many new words today. His mutism is going to be cured so soon. Exciting, right? ~]

My best friend Claire sees the messages over my shoulder and nearly loses it.

"Immersive therapy my ass! Since when does treatment require shacking up together? Ethan's straight-up cheating with extra steps!"

She peels the bandage off my shoulder to change the dressing, cursing the whole time.

"What is wrong with him? Eight years with you and he never said a single word. This girl shows up out of nowhere and suddenly he's cured?"

"I'm telling you — they've been sneaking around behind your back."

Sophie is my coworker. I personally invited her to my wedding.

I never imagined she'd be the reason I lost both the wedding and the man.

Claire's voice rises. "How can he be this ungrateful? When he was kidnapped as a kid — beaten half to death, covered in blood — you're the one who saved his life. And this is how he repays you?"

"It doesn't matter anymore." I manage a weak smile. "Claire, I've already told my parents. Next month, I'm going home. I'll accept the match they arrange."

As for Ethan.

Eight years of holding on.

It's time to let go.