Chapter Two

I had been on autopilot all day. No matter how many customers I served or flowers I arranged, my mind seemed miles away. By the time the shop emptied, my hands throbbed from the work, but my mind was even more worn.

I looked around the quiet shop. The flowers were bright and lively, but they clashed with the dull cloud in my mind. The scent of roses and lilies lingered, a sweetness I couldn't connect with. I sank into the worn leather chair behind the counter, rubbing my temples as tension built.

It wasn't just him. No, someone else had betrayed me too. The bitterness rose as I thought of her, how easily she slipped into my life. She smiled, while tearing down everything I had built. My anger wasn't just for Phoenix; It was for her—the one who had destroyed it all with a smile, with no guilt.

I sighed and stood up, grabbing my coat from the hook. The familiar weight of it on my shoulders brought me a bit of comfort. When I stepped outside, the cool autumn air hit me. The breeze brought some relief from the day's heat.

I pulled my coat tighter, feeling the chill settle into my bones. The streets were slick from the rain, the street lights reflecting off the wet pavement. My car sat a few blocks away, a reminder of the freedom I lost when Phoenix left—and when she wormed her way into my life.

Tonight was therapy. Dr. Mitchell had been a lifeline for months, guiding me through the wreckage of my life. But no amount of advice could erase the anger simmering inside me. This wasn't just about him; It was about her. She had watched, waited, and taken everything when the moment was right.

I took a deep breath, preparing for the session. My phone buzzed in my pocket, but I ignored it. I didn't need distractions right now.

The drive to the therapist's office was quiet. The hum of the engine was the only sound, blending with my swirling thoughts. The streets were nearly empty, with just a few people here and there. I knew these roads well; they led me to a place I had come to trust.

Dr. Mitchell's office sat in a calm part of town. The building was small, with large windows that let in natural light during the day. Tonight, the lights inside were soft and warm, inviting. I parked and took a moment to gather myself before heading in..

The waiting room was simple, featuring comfortable chairs and calming artwork on the walls. I approached the reception desk. The receptionist smiled warmly. "Good evening, Rose. Dr. Mitchell will see you shortly."

I nodded and took a seat, the fabric of the chair cool against my skin. As the minutes stretched on, anxiety built in my chest. Finally, Dr. Mitchell appeared. She welcomed me with her usual calm, her presence steady.

She led me to her office, a cozy space filled with books and soft furniture. The window offered a view of the dark streets, with city lights shining like distant stars. Dr. Mitchell motioned for me to sit across from her, her eyes kind.

"Good evening, Rose," she said gently. "How are you feeling today?"

I hesitated, taking a breath. "Tired. And... angry."

She nodded. "I understand. You've been through a lot. Do you want to talk about what's on your mind?"

I looked down at my hands, fidgeting with the hem of my sleeve. "It's not just Phoenix," I admitted. "It's her. The one who came between us."

Dr. Mitchell leaned in slightly, listening closely. "It sounds like the betrayal runs deeper because it wasn't just him."

My jaw clenched. "Exactly. She knew what she was doing. She didn't care about the damage or about me. I let her in, and she destroyed everything."

Dr. Mitchell tapped her pen lightly on her notepad. "It sounds like you're holding a lot of anger toward her."

Anger didn't even cover it; It was pure fury. "She came into my life and took what she wanted. Now, she's moved on, as if none of it mattered."

Dr. Mitchell listened, her expression thoughtful. "It's understandable. Betrayal from someone you trusted can feel even worse. How do you want to handle this anger?"

I shook my head, the frustration gnawing at me. "I don't know. I want to confront her, but I'm not sure it'll help. She's already done the damage. I doubt she even cares."

Dr. Mitchell nodded. "Confronting her doesn't have to be about getting an apology. It's about finding peace for yourself and letting go of the hold she has on you."

I stared out the window at the blurred city lights. "I don't know if confronting her will bring peace. I can't escape the feeling of betrayal. It's not just him. It's what she took from me."

Dr. Mitchell smiled gently. "It's okay to feel angry. It's part of healing. What matters is how you deal with it. Confront her if you need to, but do it for your own closure, not for what she might say or do."

I nodded slowly, letting her words sink in. "I just don't want to carry this forever. I don't want her living in my head."

Dr. Mitchell's smile grew warmer. "That's the first step. Wanting to move forward is important. It may take time, but you're on the right path."

As I left her office, something shifted inside me. My steps quickened. I knew what I needed to do. I had to confront her—the woman who took everything from me.