When I returned home, I found him kneeling before the shattered remains of his guitar, dragging a sharp sliver of wood across his palm again and again.

I rushed forward to stop him.

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a hollow remorse.

I pulled him into the room. Emboldened by the sorrow hanging in the air, my fingers fumbled for the buckle of his belt.

"Finn… it's not your fault. This is on me. It’s all my fault."

Finn pulled me into his arms, offering no resistance.

From that moment on, we were siblings in public and lovers in secret.

I thought that one day, we could finally be a real couple, out in the open.

It was only today that I understood… that had only ever been my dream, not his.

I swept all the photos into the trash can, grabbed my suitcase, and marched out the door.

Just as I was about to hail a cab, I heard Finn's voice.

"Say goodbye to Juliet before you go."

I followed the sound and saw, for the first time, the woman standing beside him.

Juliet smiled gently. "Cora, long time no see."

I forced a stiff smile. "Juliet."

She slid closer, taking my hand and guiding me toward her coffee shop. She purred about how much she had missed Finn while she was away.

Every story she told ended the same way. "I thought about Finn every single day."

I just smiled and nodded.

Then Juliet leaned in, her tone playful but her eyes sharp. "Cora, tell me… has your brother been seeing anyone all these years?"

Her voice was laced with a subtle challenge, her gaze flicking to the unique flower tattoo on my neck—one half of a matching set, the other inked on Finn's ribs.

I instinctively covered the spot.

Juliet raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Maybe Finn hasn't been dating… but it looks like you have a boyfriend?"

Finn sat down in the chair beside her and let out a low chuckle.

"Cora's engaged. We'll be attending her engagement party soon."

Their intimacy was so effortless, a perfect little world that had no room for me.

I couldn't stay there a moment longer. Panic rising, I shot to my feet.

"Finn… I—I should go."

Juliet paused, studying me for a moment before standing. "Your bag looks heavy. Let me help you."

Before I could refuse, she snatched my suitcase. Smiling, she linked her arm with mine and led me outside.

Along the way, she chattered breezily about funny stories from her and Finn’s past.

We didn't stop until we reached the curb.

Juliet suddenly cried out, "Oops!" With a clumsy lurch, she sent the cup of scalding latte tipping over, spilling directly onto her own arm.

The skin instantly flared red.

I stood there, stunned, my mind refusing to accept what she had just done.

Tears welled in her eyes.

"Cora! Even if you don't like me, you didn't have to push me!"

Before I could react, Finn rushed out and shoved me hard against the wall.

I stared at him in disbelief.

His eyes blazed with fury. "Get out!"

Before he could say more, fresh tears welled in Juliet’s eyes.

"Finn… maybe I shouldn't have come back. It's all my fault… If Cora hates me this much, maybe I should just leave."

She pushed him away, feigning a turn to go.

Finn immediately pulled her back into his arms, his voice trembling as he soothed her.

"Juliet, I'm sorry… I never should have left you alone with her."

His voice shook with remorse, thick with a fear and regret I had never heard from him, not for me.

A dull ache throbbed where my head had hit the wall. Everything was sickeningly clear now.

"Finn… I didn't push her!" I tried to defend myself.

But Finn's eyes were cold with disappointment.

"Are you saying Juliet burned herself on purpose? Apologize! If you apologize, this can still be your home."

I was completely numb. I stubbornly kept my lips sealed.

Finn’s gaze turned to ice as he stared me down.

I looked at the face that had once made my heart race, and suddenly, I just felt tired.

The man I thought I’d spend my life with… he was gone. All I wanted now was to get away from this stranger.

So I turned to Juliet. "Juliet… I'm sorry."

Finn's eyes widened in surprise.

I had never bowed my head to anyone. This was the first time.

Juliet sobbed softly, tugging on the corner of Finn's shirt. "Finn, I don't want to see her again. Let's go home."

Finn snapped back to reality, took her hand, and led her back toward the shop.

I stood frozen, watching them through the large glass window.

Finn gently kissed Juliet.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and began to unbutton his shirt, the long-simmering passion between them finally boiling over.

Then, the blinds were drawn.

I knew exactly what was happening inside.

I had been there myself, more times than I could count.

I gripped the handle of my suitcase, turned, and strode away without looking back.