Just Beware
Ellen held her breath, expecting for Edrick to try and talk her into it again. Part of her believed he would, that he wouldn't let this end so easily. She had seen the way his eyes had looked at her—full of longing, desperation, a stubbornness that seemed impossible to break.
If he only knew the woman he wanted so badly wasn't even around.
But what she saw now wasn't that determination. It wasn't the fire she expected. Instead, his shoulders slumped, and his gaze softened.
He gave her a sad smile, his lips curving upward, though it didn't reach his eyes. It was a smile that said he was over it, as if something heavy had landed on him, making him face the truth. Ellen watched, her heart aching as his eyes met hers—his eyes now full of sadness that made her feel uneasy.
"I know," Edrick said softly. "I know I lost already." He let out a bitter chuckle, the sound weak, more of a sigh than a laugh. "I just… I just didn't know when to give up."