No Longer Yours to Break

Zoe swayed, her knees almost giving out. She hadn't even processed her dad's death before Vicky's words crushed her all over again.

Her face went pale.

Connor caught the look and, for a split second, something twisted in his chest.

Zoe lifted a shaky finger at Vicky. Her voice was flat, but her hands trembled.

"She's the one who killed him.

"The nurse said he was fine this morning. Then she shows up, and he's dead?

"She did it—she pushed him too far on purpose."

Vicky broke into sobs, lips trembling as she clung to Connor. "How could I... Connor, he was my dad too. Why would I ever...?"

Whatever flicker of concern Connor felt vanished.

He pulled Vicky close, steadying her. "Zoe, seriously? You sound insane.

"You really gonna make up crap like this just to stop our wedding?

"Instead of blaming her, maybe look in a mirror. You look like a ghost. How are you even supposed to stand next to her as a bridesmaid like this?"

And just like that, he turned his back on her—leading Vicky out of the room.

Zoe sank to the floor, clutching her face, knees pressed to the cold tile beside Pierre's bed.

The rest of the day blurred by as she handled the funeral. Her face didn't change once—like she was hollow inside.

Connor kept trying to reach her. She blocked every number.

Thankfully, he chalked it up to her being dramatic and didn't bother showing up.

At this point, Zoe felt nothing for him.

Even the memories—their so-called childhood bond—just made her sick.

So when Lucian called, she didn't even pause.

Cradling Pierre's urn, she got in the car and left Southport for good.

***

At the wedding venue, Connor was pacing.

"Where is Zoe? She's not seriously pulling this crap today. It's Vicky's big moment—call her again!"

But Zoe ghosted.

He tried calling—blocked everywhere.

The chatter around him buzzed, but it all felt...empty. Like something real was just gone.

Shaking it off, he pulled out a sapphire bracelet he'd had custom-made.

It was meant to mean something to Vicky—though she probably forgot.

Whatever. He'd tell her the story himself before popping the question.

Connor was wiping it down, making sure it sparkled—

When a confused voice behind him sliced through the noise.

"Isn't that Zoe's bracelet?" Eleanor stared, brows drawn.

Connor froze.

He turned, slow.

"What do you mean, Zoe's?"