Chapter 180

Just because Tanya said she was waiting, did that mean I had to drop everything? Who did she think she was? I ignored her message. Meanwhile, Jace stared at me, oblivious to the notification.

“Rea, are you seriously done with me?” he asked, his eyes bloodshot.

I was so tired of this. “What do I have to do to make you understand? Marry Hayden just to prove I’m serious?” I’d already kissed Hayden to get Jace off my back, but he still refused to believe me.

“Keira Kay!” he growled.

That tone used to unsettle me. Now? Nothing. It’s strange how things change when you stop caring.

I looked him in the eye. “Jace, it’s over. I don’t know how else to say it. Even if every man disappeared, and you were the last one, I still wouldn’t choose you.”

It was harsh, maybe cruel, but I was done with his relentless pressure.

Jace’s face paled. For a second, he was speechless. I didn’t need to look to know what his expression conveyed: anger, frustration, and that “you’re breaking me” look.

“You’re gonna regret this,” he muttered.

“I won’t,” I said, gripping the steering wheel.

“Even if something happens to me—if I get hurt, or worse—you still won’t regret it?” His words were unexpected.

I gave him a confused glance. His eyes were red. “I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. I’ve tried everything to fix it, to get you to forgive me, but you won’t give me another chance.”

He shook his head, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “What, do you want me to get down on my knees and beg?”

This was genuine regret—I could feel it. I’d known for a while that Jace regretted his actions. He wouldn’t be acting this way, straying so far from his usual tough-guy persona. But some things, once broken, can’t be fixed.

“Jace, I don’t need you to do anything,” I said calmly. “Nothing you do will change things now.”

Jace let out a bitter laugh. “So, that’s it, huh? You’re just sentencing me to death. No trial, no appeal. Just done.”

I didn’t say anything; that was exactly what I was doing.

“Fine,” he muttered, turning away to stare out the window. I saw him wipe his eye. Was he crying? For a second, my chest tightened.

“Pull over,” Jace said.

I slammed on the brakes. Jace threw open the door and got out without looking back. I watched him toss his jacket over his shoulder and kick at the air. He walked away, growing smaller and smaller, and I knew—whatever Jace and I had was done. Completely over.

Tanya must have grown impatient. After receiving no reply, she called. Already on edge, I sent it to voicemail. Another message popped up: [Keira, I just want to talk. I swear, I don’t mean any harm. I’ll wait for you as long as it takes.]

That last line? A blatant guilt trip, a passive-aggressive threat. But I wasn’t falling for it. If she wanted to wait, that was her choice. It had nothing to do with me.