His Initial on Her Replacement

I stood there, stunned, my mind refusing to accept what she had just done.

Tears welled in her eyes.

"Cora! Even if you don't like me, you didn't have to push me!"

Before I could react, Finn rushed out and shoved me hard against the wall.

I stared at him in disbelief.

His eyes blazed with fury. "Get out!"

Before he could say more, fresh tears welled in Juliet’s eyes.

"Finn… maybe I shouldn't have come back. It's all my fault… If Cora hates me this much, maybe I should just leave."

She pushed him away, feigning a turn to go.

Finn immediately pulled her back into his arms, his voice trembling as he soothed her.

"Juliet, I'm sorry… I never should have left you alone with her."

His voice shook with remorse, thick with a fear and regret I had never heard from him, not for me.

A dull ache throbbed where my head had hit the wall. Everything was sickeningly clear now.

"Finn… I didn't push her!" I tried to defend myself.

But Finn's eyes were cold with disappointment.

"Are you saying Juliet burned herself on purpose? Apologize! If you apologize, this can still be your home."

I was completely numb. I stubbornly kept my lips sealed.

Finn’s gaze turned to ice as he stared me down.

I looked at the face that had once made my heart race, and suddenly, I just felt tired.

The man I thought I’d spend my life with… he was gone. All I wanted now was to get away from this stranger.

So I turned to Juliet. "Juliet… I'm sorry."

Finn's eyes widened in surprise.

I had never bowed my head to anyone. This was the first time.

Juliet sobbed softly, tugging on the corner of Finn's shirt. "Finn, I don't want to see her again. Let's go home."

Finn snapped back to reality, took her hand, and led her back toward the shop.

I stood frozen, watching them through the large glass window.

Finn gently kissed Juliet.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and began to unbutton his shirt, the long-simmering passion between them finally boiling over.

Then, the blinds were drawn.

I knew exactly what was happening inside.

I had been there myself, more times than I could count.

I gripped the handle of my suitcase, turned, and strode away without looking back.