Violet wasn't the liveliest person Jeremy had ever met—he wasn't terribly fond of lively people, anyway—but he had never seen her so subdued. He'd thought they were alike; she wasn't supposed to accept defeat so easily. He hadn't expected to fall for a weak, ordinary woman, but that's how she was acting. She needed to pull herself together. Knee surgery wasn't the end of the world! She would dance again if she put her mind to it.

Everyone had told him he'd never escape his D.C. neighborhood, but here he was, on track to become CEO of a leading global company. He hadn't given up, even when no one believed in him. How could his girlfriend give up on herself so quickly when hope remained?

"It'll be okay, Violet. Trust your doctor; he's highly qualified to help you," he said soothingly.

Violet, finally opening her eyes, whispered, "I know, but I'm scared. Dance is everything to me. Without it, I won't feel like myself."

Ridiculous. Someone as intelligent as she could achieve anything. Yes, she was an excellent ballerina, but a career change wouldn't be the end of the world. She was young; she had time. Besides, hadn't she talked about retiring to start a family? Why not just do that a little sooner?

It was too early in their relationship to propose, but it would be appropriate within the year. Jeremy could fulfill her wish whenever she desired. Violet didn't even need to work; his salary comfortably supported them. She could spend her days doing crossword puzzles if she chose.

"If the doctor said you'll dance again in three to six months, you will. Worrying about something that might not happen is pointless," Jeremy said rationally.

Violet cracked a small smile, then her face fell. "you sound like Noah. He was always my voice of reason growing up."

He took it as a backhanded compliment, given her admiration for the man, but being compared to a love rival was insulting. Noah needed to be out of her life.

Trying to remain calm despite his anger, he said, "Well, you don't need him for that now, do you? You have me."

"I suppose not," she replied vaguely.

That unnerved him. "You suppose not? You're not sure?"

Violet sat up and turned to him. "He's my best friend. I'll always need him in some way."

The conversation was heading somewhere Jeremy didn't like. He needed to assert himself. He wouldn't share his woman, even if she didn't consider Noah a romantic rival.

"A woman in a relationship doesn't need a male best friend," he stated firmly. "It's inappropriate."

She looked wary. "Jeremy, he's been my best friend for twenty-four years. I can't just abandon him."

"You will have to if this relationship is to work!" Jeremy snapped, losing his composure. "I won't share you with someone who clearly has feelings for you!"

Violet's face blanked. She shook her head in disbelief. "You knew, too?"

He hadn't known! The last time they discussed Noah, she'd insisted they were just like siblings. When had Noah confessed? He'd seen her Thursday, and she'd said nothing! It must have been last night at the hospital. Why had he turned off his phone?

"It's obvious," Jeremy said dryly. "I'm surprised you didn't realize it. Knowing this makes it even more inappropriate to maintain your relationship with him."

Her eyes hardened. "So, you're saying I have to choose between you."

That wasn't it. He wanted her to ditch the useless third wheel and grow up. Noah was a childhood crutch. Jeremy was clearly a better match. But he didn't want to be overbearing, so he simply nodded. Violet picked up the flowers and tossed them back at him.

"I've made my choice," she said coldly. "Get out."

This wasn't how it was supposed to go! He'd seen the signs; she was falling for him. Why would she choose wrong? Had he pushed too hard? She had received bad news; her mood was understandable. He tried to backpedal.

"Wait, Violet, let's talk when you're feeling better. You've had a rough day, and—"

She unleashed a chilling stare that could shame her father. He was used to it, but he'd never seen this side of her; she was usually calm and unflappable. Her tone could freeze fire. She was definitely Aaron Hale's daughter.

"Yes, I have. And you know who was there for me? My best friend, who's been there my whole life. There's no question. Of course I choose someone I've loved for twenty-four years over someone I've liked for a couple of months."

Her words stung. Twenty-four years? She couldn't be serious. There was no way she loved someone so beneath her. She was clearly interested in him!

He didn't understand that some bonds were unbreakable. Romantic love wasn't the only kind. He'd never experienced anything but romantic love, so he couldn't comprehend the power of a long-lasting friendship.

He couldn't respond, especially with Kaleb glaring at him from the doorway. What was wrong with these siblings? They were insane!

Jeremy stood tall and walked out, his dignity shattered. Aaron was going to kill him.

(Note: The final sentence about stolen work was removed as it is irrelevant to editing the passage.)