Brandon's POV
You know that quiet kind of regret—the one that doesn't scream at you right away but sits patiently, waiting for the perfect moment to turn around and bite hard? That was exactly how I felt that afternoon at Oakland Bakery.
At first, I had been so sure of myself—certain that agreeing to that sit-out was the right move, or at least a necessary one. I told myself I was being calm, mature, and collected. But deep down, I knew the truth: jealousy had its hands around my throat.
I had just met a guy who claimed to be Chloe's childhood friend—a guy who knew her past, her habits, and her moods—and suddenly, I wasn't thinking straight anymore. My instincts, usually sharp, were dulled by insecurity.
What exactly had I been trying to do? Was I punishing Chloe for not telling me about Garrett? Was I upset that I found out not through photos or careless whispers, but by a surprise appearance that felt too perfectly timed? Or was I trying to mark my territory?
