Ships That Pass Chapter 2

The knuckles of my clenched fist cracked. There wasn’t a decent person in the entire room.

I had so badly misjudged Jenna. In the three years we’d known each other, she’d cultivated this image of a sweet, innocent girl. She’d always said that cheating was the one thing she could never forgive. It was all a lie. She was the cheater.

I lifted my head, my eyes locking with hers. The cold fury in my gaze must have startled her, because her smile faltered.

“Creed? What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

She reached out to touch my forehead, but the lingering scent of another man on her skin made me recoil in disgust.

“Jenna,” I said, my voice flat. “I think we need to postpone the wedding.”

Real panic flashed in her eyes. She grabbed my arm. “Creed, what are you talking about?”

I pulled my arm free. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal.”

“I just think… we’re rushing things. We’re still young. Maybe you should have some more fun before we talk about settling down.”

Her panic melted into a relieved, radiant smile. She threw her arms around me, burying her head in my chest. “I knew you were the best,” she murmured. “Thank you for always thinking of me.”

She had no idea that I was already done with her. She shot a triumphant look over my shoulder at Leo and her friends.

“Wow, what a keeper! A real simp.”

“His ancestors must be so proud.”

They were laughing at me, calling me a fool, a pushover.

I didn’t care. Let them laugh. Anyone who makes a fool out of me will end up becoming the joke themselves.

I turned and walked out the door to buy her damn pill. The moment I was gone, I heard them fall into each other’s arms, the sound of their passionate kissing echoing in the hall.

“Damn, girl. Two guys at once. Only you could pull that off.”

“Oh, shut up. Like you’re any different.”

“Well, I’ve got to go. My god-tier hookup is waiting for me at the hotel, all showered and ready.”

Hearing that, I quickened my pace.

Outside, the sky had opened up. Rain soaked through my clothes, leaving me looking as pathetic as I felt.

When I returned with the pills, the room was filled with raucous laughter. They all looked at me, not a trace of shame on their faces, and continued their conversation in Spanish.

“How about we go hiking tomorrow?”

“Ugh, no. Too much effort.”

“It won’t be tiring if we find a quiet spot off the trail,” Leo said with a wink. “For some… exploring.”

He nudged Jenna’s foot with his, and her eyes lit up.

They all watched me, their smiles dripping with condescension, treating me like their personal plaything.

The next day, Jenna took me on a trip to a state park outside the city, saying we were going to go hiking.

At the trailhead, her friends were already joking around.

“You guys are wild,” one said in Spanish. “Bringing Creed along while you two sneak off? Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out?”

“If we don’t tell him, who will? It’s not like he knows the trails.”

“That’s what makes it so thrilling! The risk, the danger! Hahaha!”

With that, Jenna grabbed my hand and led me down the path.

It wasn’t long before she stopped, feigning an upset stomach. “I need to find a bathroom, quick. Can you wait here and make sure no one comes this way?”

A dull, numb ache spread through my chest. I couldn’t believe the woman I loved could be so shameless.

She was carrying a backpack, and I knew what was inside. Lingerie. Toys. I had heard her packing it last night while I pretended to be asleep, whispering to Leo on the phone about what positions they should try.

I hadn’t slept a wink. Instead, I had sent a message to my boss.

I told her I was ready to take the transfer to the Paris office. I was moving to France. I would never see Jenna again.