I stand there, staring at the door long after it closes.
This isn’t over.
The words echo.
Cold.
Certain.
My arms wrap around myself before I even realize it.
Like I can hold the fear in place.
“Tessa.”
Ace’s voice is low.
Close.
“I’m fine,” I say automatically.
He doesn’t answer.
Doesn’t argue.
Just waits.
And somehow—
That makes it worse.
“I’ve handled worse,” I add softly.
“Yeah,” he says. “You have.”
Something in his tone tightens my chest.
Not doubt.
Understanding.
And that’s harder to face.
Slowly, I turn.
He’s watching me.
Steady.
Not trying to fix it.
Just there.
“He hasn’t changed,” I admit.
“He didn’t deny it.”
Ace’s jaw shifts.