Chapter 116: Someday Sooner
Stefan stood there for a long time after the car drove away, staring at the empty road like he could somehow will it to bring her back. But it didn’t. Of course, it didn’t. She was gone.
The cold morning air clung to his skin, but he barely noticed. His hand dropped slowly to his side where it had almost touched hers. That brief second—that one moment when he thought he could stop her—was gone now. Just like she was.
He let out a breath, heavy and broken, as he dragged his fingers through his hair.
That didn’t go the way he thought it would. Not even close.
In his mind, he imagined her looking shocked, maybe even upset—but not like this. Not filled with so much pain. So much anger. Her words still echoed in his ears:
"You made a choice, Stefan. So live with it."
That had cut deeper than anything else. Because she was right. He had made a choice.
And now he was standing here, feeling the weight of it settle into his chest like a stone he couldn’t shake off.
What should he do now? Should he just wait for her to return? At least he knew she’d return. Would it be wise? She looked really upset so would it be wise to wait for her? What should he do now?
He turned his head slowly toward the car parked down the street. Ethan was still inside. Stefan watched as his best friend looked up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Ethan didn’t move, didn’t wave. He just sat there, looking like he wanted to disappear.
He would’ve wanted to wait but he doubted that decision was what was best at the moment. Maybe he needed to give her time now that he had seen her. Time to know that he was here for her and wanted her back.
Stefan exhaled deeply before walking toward the car. Every step felt heavier than the last.