I stilled. We turned our heads to a couple arguing next to us. Luca’s body tensed, and I could feel his heart race under my touch. It was Luca’s parents, but they had yet to notice us.
His dad’s voice was dangerously low. “You don't know how it was. You just want to judge me." His face was set like a villain with his eyes cold and muscles tensed.
This argument grew into a tornado. Mark tried to defend himself while manipulating Jess into thinking it was her fault. I couldn’t stand here and let it happen any longer, but as soon as I went to say something, Luca broke out of my hold and stalked toward his parents.
He didn’t say anything before his fist collided into his dad’s face, knocking him back on the sand. My eyes widened as I ran over to them, my legs finally deciding to work.
“Why did you punch him?” his mom asked, her shoulders trembling.
“He did it again?” His jaw ticked.
She sobbed, nodding. “Some blonde young woman was on her knees in the women’s restroom. I walked in on it.”
I gasped and grabbed Luca from throwing another punch. “Luca! Stop. Remember where we are.”
“I don’t give a fuck.”
His dad laughed as he spat blood onto the sand. Luca had busted his lip. “You hate me because you’re just like me. Think you’d be able to resist a hot blonde on her knees? Think again. Us Reed men can’t say no. You’ll break that girl’s heart.” His dad pointed at me, and Luca shook from the rage.
“No, he won’t!” I stepped in front of Luca as his dad staggered to his feet.
“And you’ll be too stupid to leave, just like Jess.” His eyes darted to his wife.
She swallowed another sob. “Not this time, Mark. I want a divorce.” She spun around and rushed away from them.
Mark’s eyes widened. “Shit.” He went to follow her, but Luca’s hand gripped his arm before he passed by.
“Leave Mom alone. She doesn’t need your shit anymore.”
His eyes narrowed at his son. They glared at each other before a staff member came over to us.
“Is everything alright here?” he asked.
His dad tore his gaze away and stalked off in the direction Jess went. Luca took a step forward, but I stepped in front of him.
“We’re fine.” I nodded to the guy, and he left us alone.
“Why the fuck did you stop me?” he growled out.
My brows bumped together into a frown. “Because we are at Faith and Asher’s wedding.”
“That piece of shit deserves what he gets.”
I reached out and grabbed his hand. “I don’t want you to get in trouble, Luca.”
His tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip. The tension in the air was thick between us. “I'm gonna need some time to figure this shit out, Mags. I need time to reset. He fucking did it again. I'm the same as him. So when I say you deserve more, you do. You deserve to be someone's whole world, someone who won’t betray you like I could.”
My heart broke in grueling waves as I heard what he was saying. I gripped my fists together, and my nails dug deep into my palms. A tear slid down my cheek as a coldness spread through me. “You were about to tell me that you loved me, does that mean nothing to you? All I’ve ever wanted from you was your love, but once you got me in bed a couple of times you threw me out like I was yesterday's trash,” I told him. “But, this week, you said you cared about me. Then one thing happens, and you’re already tucking tail and running! I love you, you asshole! For the longest time, I’ve wanted you, for the longest fucking time. But you left me twice before this, and I still let you in. Are you really giving this up?”
“Fuck, Magnolia, please!” he exploded. There was pain behind his words. As I stared into his burning blue eyes, I realized the anger was nothing but a shield for pain. His chest heaved. “I just, I can’t do it. I can’t be the reason…”
Words flew from my mouth that I never thought I could say out loud. “As much as I want to fight you on this, arguing is pointless. Your decision is based on your own insecurities rather than anything I could possibly say. You need to abandon these stupid seeds your father planted in your head. Whenever you do that, you’ll realize that I’m right. Until then, you need to confront your own fears.”
I knew from the glassy look in his eyes that my words had hit their mark. In that instant our relationship, or whatever the hell we had, shattered.
He nodded before turning around and walking away from me, for what felt like the last time, and that just fucking broke me.
Day Seven
4:30 AM - 5 AM - Early Check-Out
I stood at the reception desk in the lobby as I checked out of my room. I woke up early so I could leave before anyone noticed. I’d miss the island, but more than anything I’d miss Magnolia.
The receptionist grabbed the key card from me and smiled. “Alright, thank you for staying with us during your vacation. Safe travels home.”
I grunted a thanks before heaving my luggage up and heading toward the ferry. I hesitated on the beach before I boarded. I closed my eyes as the morning air skimmed over me.
There was an overwhelming sadness in leaving a place of strong love, where fond memories grew as fast as the ocean breeze came and went. I would savor each memory I made with everyone, but especially with Mags. Leaving didn’t mean that I didn’t love her. I was leaving because I loved her. She couldn’t get stuck to someone like me.
I turned my back to the resort where I knew she was
