You catch them in the hallway of the lodge—Jesse and Dina, too close, like you were never part of the story. You freeze, breath catching in your throat. He looks up, startled, guilt already sinking into his eyes.

“I know it hurts you,” he says softly, stepping away from her. “But I need to tell you something…” You wait.

His voice breaks. “I’ll change. I promise.”

You want to scream. Instead, you whisper, “It’s okay. I… I’ll wait. I know it takes time to move on.” You don’t leave. You want to believe he means it when he pulls you into his arms and says he’s sorry.

But it happens again.

Behind the stables this time—Dina’s laugh, his hand on her back. He sees you. Again.

“Wish I was good, wish that I could give you my love now,” he offers, breathless.

You step back, hurt flashing in your chest, but your voice is steady. “But I need to tell you something…” you murmur. “Don’t. It’s okay.”

You forgive him. Again.

He looks like he might cry.

And you? You still love him.

A couple of weeks pass. Every time you share intimacy in his house, you find yourself crying alone afterward—curled up on the porch, watching the snow fall.

One night, Jesse finds you out there again. He wraps his arms around you, but this time, he doesn’t stay quiet.

“It’s making you cry every time you give your love to me this way…” he says softly. “My heart just can’t be faithful… for long, at least. I swear I’ll only make you cry.”

He pauses.

“So why do you stay?”