Chapter 43: You can't run from Truth

Jaxson

The moment I stepped back into Tony's hospital room, the sight that greeted me was like a punch to the gut. There was Tony's brother, his arm wrapped around Esmerelda, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. My heart raced with a mix of anger and despair. Esmerelda and I had already had our talk, the one where unspoken truth was finally aired, and I had walked away certain I'd lost her for good. Yet, seeing another man's hands on her, even in a gesture of comfort, ignited a fierce jealousy that overrode all reason. I knew I had no claim over her, no right to feel this way, but the raw emotion was undeniable. It was a reminder of what I'd let slip through my fingers, and the regret was as sharp as ever.

I knew I shouldn't have, but I stormed over and grabbed Esmerelda's arm, pulling her away from Nico. I couldn't help myself; the jealousy and anger were too much to bear. I had lost her; I knew that but seeing her in another man's arms was like a knife to my heart. It made me