“I have to do this…”Max stood in the doorway, clutching the jewelry box tightly. The cold night air bit at his skin, but it was nothing compared to the chill in his heart. He had seen Emma with that man, laughing, her eyes sparkling in a way they hadn’t for him in years. He swallowed hard and stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him.Emma was still in the gazebo, her laughter carrying on the wind. Max approached slowly, each step heavy with the weight of what he knew was coming. When he reached the edge of the garden, he stopped, watching her. She looked so happy, so free. He wanted to remember her like this, just for a moment, before everything shattered.Taking a deep breath, he walked toward the gazebo. Emma noticed him first, her smile fading as she saw him approach. James Caldwell, the man she had invited into their home, turned and eyed Max with disdain.“Max,” Emma said, her voice sharp, “what are you doing here?”“I came to see you,” Max replied, his voice steady des
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