I tore my gaze away from Rhys and Zara, the image of their kiss burning into my memory like a brand. My chest ached, the familiar, relentless pain of rejection flaring up anew.
"Let's go somewhere else," I managed to say to Ethan, my voice barely audible. "Please."
Ethan nodded, concern etched across his features as he guided me away from the quad. We walked in silence until we reached a quiet corner near the library, secluded enough that no one would overhear us.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. How could I explain that every time I saw Rhys with someone else, it felt like dying all over again?
Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to focus on why I'd approached Ethan in the first place. "I need to know what's going on with my mom," I said. "I overheard your call this morning."
Ethan's eyebrows shot up. "You heard me talking to your mother?"
