Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 21: Turning Point

Jade's POV

The days that followed felt like they existed in a strange limbo. Time passed, but I barely noticed. Rehearsals for the Puerto Rico show came and went, but I was just going through the motions—detached from everything. My mind kept circling back to that moment in Paris, over and over again, replaying the sight of Nick and Jenna in that trailer. No matter how much I tried to push it out of my head, it was there, lurking like a shadow behind every thought.

I hadn't spoken to Nick since that day. His calls and texts kept coming, each one more desperate than the last. He was sorry. He loved me. It had been a mistake. But how could I trust those words? How could I believe him when everything we had was built on trust—and he'd broken that?

And then there was Harry.

He had been by my side constantly since I returned from Paris. He didn't push for details, didn't pry. He just... was. His presence was steady, grounding, a safe harbor in the storm of emotions that threatened to drown me. I knew how he felt about me—that unspoken tension between us had only grown since Paris—but he respected my boundaries, waiting for me to make the first move.

But the truth was, I wasn't sure what I wanted anymore. The hurt from Nick's betrayal still clung to me like a second skin, and yet, there was a part of me—small but growing—that couldn't deny the comfort I found in Harry's presence. With him, there was no jealousy, no distrust, just warmth and understanding. And maybe that was exactly what I needed right now.

The night before the Puerto Rico show, I found myself sitting on the hotel balcony, gazing out at the ocean. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore should have been soothing, but my mind was anything but calm. My phone buzzed beside me, and I glanced down to see Nick's name flash on the screen.

For a moment, I considered answering. Maybe it was time to hear him out, to at least listen to what he had to say. But then, just as quickly, I pushed the thought away. I wasn't ready to face him yet. Not after what I'd seen.

Before I could dwell on it any longer, there was a knock on my door. I knew who it was before I even opened it.

Harry stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe, a soft smile on his lips. "Mind some company?" he asked, his voice low, as if he could sense the heaviness in the air.

I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. He walked past me, heading straight for the balcony. I followed, and we both sat down in silence, staring out at the dark water.

After a few minutes, Harry glanced at me, his brow furrowed slightly. "You've been quiet," he said, his tone gentle, careful. "Even during rehearsals. You want to talk about it?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't even know where to start."

"How about the beginning?" he suggested, his eyes searching mine. "You don't have to carry this alone, Jade. I'm here."

I swallowed hard, the emotions I'd been trying to bury suddenly rushing to the surface. "I don't know how to feel, Harry. Everything with Nick... It's like my whole world fell apart, and I don't know how to put it back together."

Harry didn't say anything for a moment. He just watched me, his gaze steady, patient. And somehow, that made it easier to keep going.

"I loved him," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "I still love him. But seeing him with her... it broke something inside of me. And I don't know if it can ever be fixed."

Harry's expression softened, and he reached out, placing a hand on mine. "I can't tell you what to do, Jade. Only you can figure that out. But I do know this—you deserve to be with someone who sees you, who values you, and who doesn't let distance or fear get in the way."