Chapter 17

Wesley's belated explanations and apologies only struck Mabel as laughable. She studied him coldly, her gaze stripped of all former tenderness that only icy disdain remained. "Wesley Valentine, don't you hear how ridiculous you sound? When I was by your side, you treated Anais like some sacred moonlight—pining for her day and night. "Now that you've discovered she never loved you, suddenly you remember me? What am I to you? Some backup you can summon or dismiss at will? "You think these pretty words will move me now? You underestimate me, Wesley. Your love isn't some priceless treasure, and I want none of it!" Without looking back, she walked away. Noah followed without hesitation. Left alone on foreign streets, Wesley's throbbing legs rooted him in place as Mabel disappeared into the distance. Autumn winds whipped dead leaves around him, mirroring the desolation clawing at his chest. He wanted to scream no to her—he hadn't come to love her only after unmasking Anais. Memories o