Chapter 21

Gabriel stepped protectively in front of Eloise, and her hand instinctively tightened around his. Jeremy's eyes locked on their joined hands. The sight of it was like a blade to his chest, stealing his breath. However, he wasn't ready to let go. As Eloise turned to leave, he called out, his voice rough and breaking. "Eloise, I screwed up. I didn't see how much you meant to me. I can't live without you. "I don't blame you for choosing him. I was too blind, too late. All I want is one chance—a chance to win you back." Eloise didn't turn around, yet she felt the tremble and tension in the hand holding hers. Gabriel was afraid. He couldn't be certain if, when Jeremy swallowed his pride and humbled himself, Eloise would still choose him. At that moment, her soft hand closed gently around his, and his eyes met hers without thinking. The quiet understanding between them felt like something that had always been there. "Jeremy, I loved you once, and it broke me. I'm not going back, and