“She looked peaceful. Sitting there with him, like I hadn’t shattered her just days ago. And it hit me—all at once—that maybe she’s learning how to feel okay without me. And that… scared the hell out of me.” Summary: Jace wasn’t supposed to see her. Wasn’t supposed to stop. But when he catches Ivy tucked into a couch beside Caleb—calm, not hurting, not alone—he freezes. For the first time, he’s on the outside of her world, watching someone else fill the space he keeps leaving behind. And the ache he feels in that moment? It’s not jealousy. It’s real loss—the kind you can’t charm or run from.