Prologue
Regulus was panting, tears streaming down his cheeks, luggage in his hand.
“Reg, please. Please don’t leave. I can explain, I-”
“Can you really, James? If you really can then why haven’t you?”
“I-I can! Let’s sit down and–”
“What would my brother say if he found out that his best friend denied being in a committed relationship with his entire workplace? If he found out that his best friend told everyone that he’s single?”
“Reg I—”
“OR what would he say if he found out that his best friend broke his baby brother’s heart?”
“Reg…”
“James. You out of all people know how much I gave up for this. For us. And God James, I love you so much that I’m willing to give up so much more. Not even that, I broke down everything inside of me so I can give myself to you whole again. It took so much, James, so much so I can trust you. Ignored everyone saying that one day you’ll just get sick of me and find someone else.”
“Reg that’s not what’s happening right now–”
“Isn’t it? You denying my existence, our relationship, isn’t it the beginning of you finding someone else”
“No! Reg please–”
“I’m leaving. Don’t follow me.”
Regulus angrily exited the house, brushing past James. Pandora, seated in her pastel-colored car, waited for him. Tossing his luggage into the backseat, Regulus took his seat beside Pandora, who promptly started the car upon seeing him walk out of the house. The car ride unfolded in silence, with Regulus shedding silent tears and Pandora occasionally casting meaningful glances at her friend. Upon reaching Pandora's apartment, Regulus headed straight for the guest bedroom, where exhaustion from tears and pain overcame him, allowing Pandora to embrace him as he drifted into sleep.
Back in their house, James is left in shambles. Tears streamed down his face until his eyes were red and his throat ached, feeling miserable for the first time inside their home. What was once a sanctuary of love now echoed with the fragments of two shattered hearts. He fell asleep on the couch, tear tracks across his cheeks, hands clutching a ring box of what was supposed to be a promise of forever.