Katelyn stood on the balcony, her eyes fixed on the distant morning sky. A servant had delivered the news that Sage had abruptly left in the middle of the night. She prided herself on one thing: she had never wasted a sleepless night over any man.
"If he wants us to end like this, then I will give him exactly what he desires. A rejection. I am not going to hurt myself because of a man," Katelyn muttered fiercely, steeling her resolve. She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time, trying to erase the last vestiges of weakness.
She turned to leave the balcony, ready to confront the day.
As she stepped into the drawing room, her steps faltered. She saw Amelie sitting there, holding Noah in her arms. The small, radiant pup, completely unaware of the morning's heartbreak, was spreading warmth and light with his innocent, happy smile.
