The Unspoken Promise

Two Months Later.

In his room, Jace sat on the edge of his bed, staring out the window at the cold December sky. Snowflakes drifted down, collecting on the trees outside, coating the world in a soft, white silence. Christmas was only a few days away, and for the first time in his life, he wasn't looking forward to it. The thought of the upcoming family gathering—a tradition that used to bring him comfort and joy—filled him with dread.

Two months. Two months of silence from Vivienne. It wasn't like they'd decided to stop talking; it had just... happened. After that night they'd shared their frustrations over Alexander and Anastasia, they hadn't reached out again. At first, he'd thought of calling her, maybe seeing if they could meet up somewhere in secret, just to talk things through. But the fear of dragging her into more turmoil—of deepening their connection only to hurt more in the end—had stopped him.

He'd started seeing Anastasia more often, under his parents' watchful eyes. She was pleasant, polite, exactly what they wanted. She was even kind in her way, never pressing him too hard about his obvious reluctance, as if she understood that they were both playing roles they'd never asked for. But each time he looked at her, he couldn't shake the feeling of hollowness, a sense that he was just going through the motions, drifting further from himself and from the future he'd once imagined.

And then there was Vivienne. The thought of her, the memories they'd shared, lingered like a bittersweet ache in his chest. He wondered if she thought about him too, if she missed him as much as he missed her. But as much as he wanted to believe it, he couldn't shake the guilt, the sense that he'd failed her by letting things go, by letting the silence grow between them.

He exhaled, watching his breath fog up the window. She'll be there, he reminded himself. In just a few days, we'll be under the same roof again. He wasn't sure what would happen, wasn't sure if they'd even talk, but the thought of being close to her—even just seeing her—made his heart beat faster, a strange mix of anticipation and sadness.

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Across town, Vivienne sat cross-legged on her bed, a book open in her lap though she hadn't read a word. Her room was decorated for the season, soft fairy lights casting a warm glow, but her heart felt cold and heavy. Christmas was always her favorite time of year, but this year, it felt different—hollow, as if all the joy she used to feel had been drained away.

Two months without Jace. She hadn't realized how quickly the days had slipped by until she found herself here, counting down to Christmas, knowing she'd see him again. It was strange, how they'd fallen out of touch without even meaning to. They'd been each other's confidantes, allies against the expectations of their families, and yet here she was, facing everything alone.

Alexander had become a regular presence in her life, someone her parents seemed to adore. He was handsome, charming, everything they could have wanted for her, but he felt like a stranger every time they spoke. He never challenged her, never seemed to care about her thoughts or dreams. He'd often compliment her in a way that felt shallow, superficial, as if he were checking off boxes rather than seeing her as a person. Sometimes, she caught herself wondering what her life would be like if she'd been given a choice, if she could've fought for Jace instead of simply letting him go.

And now, Christmas was approaching, and she knew she'd have to face him again. She couldn't help but wonder what he was feeling, if he'd been just as affected by the silence between them. Part of her wanted to believe he felt the same way—that he'd been thinking of her too. But another part of her felt resigned, as if she'd already lost him to a future neither of them could control.

Maybe he's moved on, she thought bitterly, her stomach twisting at the idea. Maybe he's accepted his parents' plans, just like everyone wanted.

She closed her eyes, letting herself remember the moments they'd shared—the quiet conversations in the park, the late-night drives, the stolen glances that spoke of a love they hadn't been allowed to name. She missed him, more than she could admit, and the thought of seeing him again—of facing him, knowing they were both bound to other people—felt like a wound reopening.

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As they both sat alone in their rooms, separated by silence and unspoken words, the weight of the coming days pressed down on them. They would see each other soon, but the reality of their situations loomed, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyful reunion. Neither knew what the holiday would bring, but one thing was certain—seeing each other again would bring everything back, the memories and the pain, reminding them both of a love that might never be fully realized.