Brandon's POV
I really wanted the day to end well with Chloe.
I needed it too.
I'd replayed the moment over and over in my head—her forgiving me, the tension easing, her finally looking at me the way she used to.
I'd come prepared with apologies, explanations, sincerity. I'd even convinced myself I had my charm back, that familiar Brandon confidence that usually saved me when everything else went to hell.
She'd asked for me.
That had to mean something.
In my head, the other guys were already bowing out. I was back in the game. There was no way I was screwing this up again.
But the second I stepped into her hospital room, I knew I'd miscalculated.
The air was different. Cold. Heavy. Like the room itself had drawn a line between us.
