As Jade playfully giggled at something Nathan said, bile churned in my throat, piercing through me like jagged shards. Recalling the previous night, when we'd been entwined, vulnerable and convinced of an eternal love, the reality now felt like a cruel awakening. With a heavy heart, I managed to speak, "Nathan, what's happening? Who is she?" Even though the answer was already clear in my mind. Jade glanced at me with innocent eyes, addressing me softly, "Oh, you must be Terra. This might come as a shock, but Nathan and I have become mates, joined by the goddess." She gave Nathan a meaningful look, emphasizing their connection. My gaze pleaded with him, "Please tell me this isn't true." Nathan met my eyes with a sorrowful expression, "Terra...I'm so sorry." Jade leaned possessively against his side, and he didn't push her away. "I understand this might be hard for you, Terra, but you need to see that your path with Nathan wasn't destined to last." Brittany spoke, her words tinged with insincere sympathy.
