Thinking this through, Millie tightened her grip on Myron’s hand and said softly, “I guess I didn’t give you enough reassurance. That’s on me.”

Before she could say more, Myron leaned down and kissed her. They didn’t part for a long while.

When they finally did, Millie rested against Myron’s chest, her ears warm with embarrassment.

“Millie,” he said quietly, “this isn’t your fault. It’s my insecurity.”

He knew it all too well, his fear that his love could never compete with the seven years she had spent with Brandon. In this relationship, he had always felt one step behind.

Millie saw straight through his thoughts. After a moment, she whispered with a soft laugh, “You’re such a fool.”

Outside, the night deepened, the moon glowing brightly against the dark sky.

In his apartment near the Watson Group building, Brandon sat alone, as he often did lately, staring out into the distance. As the events of the past few days replayed in his mind, a hollow ache settled in his chest. Millie no longer pushed him away coldly, but she was distant, polite, detached. Now they were nothing more than business acquaintances, exchanging the occasional nod or formal conversation. He knew that, realistically, this was already better than he could have hoped for. And yet the bitterness still lingered.

Just then, Brandon’s phone vibrated on the table. He glanced down to see a message from Darden.

“What are you doing, man? Are you free tonight? Wanna hang out?”

Brandon thought for a moment before replying, “I’m at my apartment.”

Darden answered right away, “Alright. On my way.”

Soon the doorbell rang. Brandon guided his wheelchair forward and pressed the button to unlock the door.

Darden stepped inside with an easy smile. “Hey, Brandon!”

“Mm.” Brandon inclined his head and gestured for him to enter.

After Darden shut the door, they headed into the living room.

“How’s your leg been lately?” Darden asked, setting the items he had brought onto the table.

“About the same,” Brandon replied, reaching for something nearby.

Darden instinctively moved to help, but Brandon stopped him.

“I’ve got it,” Brandon said evenly.

A year had passed, and he was long accustomed to this life. The wheelchair felt natural now. He could still walk short distances, slowly, carefully. Only damp weather brought a lingering ache.

Darden didn’t insist. He simply stayed close as they settled into the living room.

“You don’t usually come over this late. Something on your mind?” Brandon asked once they’d sat down.

Darden hesitated, his expression awkward. “Want a drink first?” he deflected.

Brandon didn’t answer. He just studied his friend in silence.

“Well…” Darden rubbed the back of his neck. After a moment, he finally said, “Brandon, Millie’s been awake for days now. I just… I want to know what you’re thinking.”

Brandon met his gaze, waiting.

With a heavy sigh, Darden pulled out a notebook and handed it to him.

Brandon didn’t take it.

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