Chapter 79 Theo's Choice

• Reyna, you, okay?" Theo's voice cut through the low hum of conversation at the small bistro-a half-lit refuge from chaos outside the door. Reyna sat alone at a corner table, her eyes fixed on the glowing screen of her phone, brows knit in worry and unspoken sorrow. "I'm fine, Theo," she said shortly, not looking up. But Theo could tell from the quiver in her tone that something was deeply amiss.
• Sliding into the seat opposite her, Theo's heart pounded in that mix of concern and determination. "No, you're not," he said softly, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "That look-like you're carrying a heavy burden. I saw the news about Alexander. It hurt you, didn't it?
• Reyna's fingers tightened on her phone, battling to rein in her emotions, her jaw clenched, though the shine in her eyes told of a pain from betrayal and loss. "I-I didn't think it would hit me this hard," she said, almost in a whisper. "Seeing him with Chloe, all that glitter and public cheer. it's like a punch to the gut." Theo nodded slowly, absorbing her words as if they were fragile shards of truth he was meant to protect.