The Heathens Mansion is quieter than usual. You don’t knock when you push open the door to Jeremy’s room.
He’s leaning back in his chair, one hand resting against his jaw, the other lazily scrolling through something on his phone like nothing in the world could touch him.
Like you didn’t just have yours ripped apart.
His eyes lift the second you walk in.
Unbothered.
“You’re getting married.”
“Yes.”
His voice is calm. Too calm. That same controlled tone he used the night he ended things.
The night he looked you straight in the eyes and told you he didn’t love you.
Your laugh is bitter.
No reaction. Not even a flicker.
Jeremy leans back slightly, like this conversation is nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
Like it means nothing.
Your chest tightens. “So that’s it? That’s why you… what, decided I wasn’t worth it anymore?”
Jeremy exhales slowly, like he’s already bored of this. Then he stands.
“This marriage was decided months ago.”
His tone is even. Detached.
“It has nothing to do with you.”
A lie. You can feel it. But he doesn’t let it show.
“Then why didn’t you tell me?” your voice cracks despite yourself.
That’s the only moment something shifts. Barely.
His jaw tightens for half a second, then it’s gone.
“Because it didn’t matter.”
You step closer before you can stop yourself, gripping his shirt like you need something to hold onto.
“Did you know?” your voice breaks. “While you were with me… did you already know you were going to marry her?”
Jeremy looks down at where you’re holding him. Then back at you.
“Yes.”
The answer is immediate. And it’s a lie.
You suck in a sharp breath, your grip tightening.
“Were you seeing her too?” you push, barely holding it together. “Was I just something to pass the time until this became official?”
A pause. “Yes.”
This time it’s quieter. Colder. Like he wants it to hurt.
Your hand trembles against his chest.
Jeremy doesn’t move it away. Doesn’t touch you either.
He just lets you stand there, falling apart in front of him.
“You wanted something I can’t give you.” His voice drops slightly. Your grip loosens, but you don’t step back. Not yet.
“So everything was a lie?” you whisper.
That’s when something shifts again. So subtle most people wouldn’t catch it. But you do. A flicker in his eyes. Gone in a second.
“Yes.” Heartless.
Jeremy gently removes your hand from his shirt. Not rough, not gentle either. Just… final. Like closing a door.
“You should go.”