Chapter 22

Jordan held me tight, his long fingers gently ruffling my hair as he let out a sigh full of helplessness. “Seriously? You’re still pretending in front of me? It’s only been 550 days, not fifty years. I know you too well.” “And don’t bother hiding it, the guilt in your eyes is so obvious. Why are you pushing me away?” The icy wall I tried so hard to build up just crumbled instantly. Jordan's known me forever — twenty-something years of growing up together. There’s no way I can fool him. “Jordan…” “Is it because you’re worried Ronald won’t like it? You’d toss me aside over him?” I stepped back and looked at his fair, gentle face, shaking my head. “No, it’s not about him... it’s me. I—I feel too guilty. I don’t even know how to face you.” He lightly tapped my nose with his finger, smiling softly. “Dummy. Stop blaming yourself for everything. Yeah, I hurt my leg saving you, but you helped me recover and ended up marrying Ronald for that.” “We’re friends, remember? We’ve always looked out f