You still remembered that night by the fire—how the flames flickered in Ghost’s dark eyes when he told you he loved you for the first time. How your heart pounded as you whispered it back. That night, wrapped in warmth and whispered promises, you had no doubts.

You still remembered your wedding day. The way his hands trembled slightly when he slid the ring onto your finger. The way his voice was steady, certain, when he vowed to love you till death do us part.

But those words weren’t enough for either of you.

For eternity.

That was your promise. Yours and his. Something that felt bigger than life itself.

So why, now, did it feel like that eternity had slipped through your fingers?

Somewhere along the way, the laughter faded. The warmth dulled. Your love, once burning so fiercely, turned into something quieter—something colder. Dinners were eaten in silence. Goodnights became just a habit. The love was still there, but buried beneath routine, exhaustion, unspoken words.

And now, here you were.

Standing outside the courtroom, waiting for the moment that would officially end it all.

Simon stood a few feet away, his posture rigid, expression unreadable. Dressed in a dark suit, he looked every bit as composed as ever, yet you knew him well enough to recognize the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers curled into his palm.

You wanted to say something—anything. But the words stuck in your throat.

Then your gaze drifted downward, catching the glint of silver beneath the collar of his shirt.

It took you a moment to register what it was.

Your wedding band.

Still threaded onto the chain around his neck, resting against his skin.

He hadn’t let it go.

And neither had you.