“I can’t do this.”
“Do what?”
“Be with you,” Jessie stated. “We. Aren’t. Working. We haven’t been for some time because you’re across the ocean. Besides, you and I both know that we’ve been together mainly because of our parents’ wishes, not because it’s what we b
oth want.”
“I’m sorry, Jessie. I know I’ve been caught up in my career, but surely you don’t mean what you’re saying. I’ve worked so hard for us—to build a better future.”
“Hugh, we haven’t lived in the same place, let alone the same country, for years. How are we supposed to get married one day if we never spend any time with one another?”
Hugh ruffled his hands through his dark curls. “I can’t leave my job right now. I’ve got major deals in the works. It would ruin everything I’ve been working toward.”
“I know. Your career has always been more important than our relationship, which is why I think we need to break up.”
“I see.”
“Please tell me you understand,” Jessie pleaded.
“I do. I haven’t been there for you and now you’re evaluating if you want to continue our relationship. But instead of breaking up, why don’t we take a break and think about what we both really want?”
Jessie lowered her head and tears clouded her eyes. She’d always thought they would be together forever, but she wasn’t so sure now, not after tonight with Ryan. She glanced up at him through wet lashes. “Yes.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Hugh pulled her into his arms, cradling her underneath his chin. “It’s all right, take all the time you need and I’ll do the same. But know I’m rooting for us.”
Jessie wished she could say the same, but the way she’d felt tonight with Ryan showed her she wasn’t as all-in on Hugh as she’d once thought. Otherwise why had she been thinking about Ryan the way she had tonight? She’d also come to realize that her own happiness came first, not what her parents or the citizens of Falling Brook expected from her.
“Can we keep the break private?” Hugh asked, glancing down at her. “I don’t want to make it public or tell our parents yet in case...” His voice trailed off.
Jessie understood. Hugh had always cared about what people thought of him—how he was perceived. She was sure he thought there was hope they would get back together. And why wouldn’t he? They were Falling Brook Prep’s golden couple. “Of course. It will stay between us.”
They left the terrace and went back into the party, pretending to be the happy couple in front of their peers. But deep down, Jessie knew it was over between them because tonight her eyes had been opened to not only stop living her life according to her parents’ expectations, but finally to do what’s right for herself.