PENNY

The room feels too small, the air too thick. I can hardly breathe. Suffocating as my heart races furiously. Standing before me, the man I once thought I'd grow old with. My ex-fiancée, Kyle. His presence now is as unwelcome as the gust of cold air that followed him through the front door. Behind me, though, is his brother, Chase, whose eyes seem to burn through me. The tension is asphyxiating.

Why is he even here? And more to the point, how did he even know to find me here? His silence on our wedding day spoke volumes about his feelings towards me. Not to mention the utter lack of respect he'd shown. I mean, if he'd had even the slightest bit, then he would have told me to my face. But no, the coward chose the easy way out, texting his brother, of all people, and having him do his dirty work. What a crock of shit!

Kyle runs a hand through his dishevelled hair before speaking. "Penny, I made a mistake. I'm here to fix things. Please, just hear me out."

I cross my arms. It's my best attempt to keep that imaginary wall up between us, to protect myself from further hurt. I'd imagined all the things I'd say when I saw him again, but now all I can do is try to hold it together. Do not give him an inch, or he'll take a mile.

"You left me, Kyle. You walked away. How can I just forget that?"

"I was scared. I panicked. Marriage... commitment... it all felt too..." He gazes around the room, seeking the words out. "Permanent. But now, I realise I was wrong." He pauses for a moment, sucking in a breath. "I love you, Penny. I've always loved you."

His words hit me harder than expected, daring to pull at my walls, brick by brick. It threatens to crumble. Part of me wants to believe him. To hold on to the life we'd mapped out. But it's not that simple anymore.

My gaze flicks to Chase behind me. He's still in the kitchen doorway, unyielding in his demeanour. His jaw clenches tight, and his fists ball up at his sides, as if they're awaiting instruction.

Kyle follows my gaze, his eyes narrowing as they find Chase. "What the hell is this?" He gestures between the two of us. "What's he doing here?"

Chase takes a step forward. His voice is low and controlled, with an unmistakable edge. "I'm here because Penny needed someone when you walked out on her. I wasn't going to let her go through this alone."

Kyle's eyes darken, and I can see the gears turning in his head. With a bitter laugh, he shakes his head. "So that's it? You swoop in the second I'm gone, hoping to pick up the pieces? I knew it. You've always been waiting for your chance, haven't you?"

"Don't do this, Kyle," Chase warns. His words are sharp, slicing through the tension like well-oiled blade.

But Kyle's already worked himself up. He turns to me, his expression twisting into something ugly. "I should've seen it back then, Penny. The way he looked at you that night. The night we met, remember?" He lets out another humourless laugh. "He didn't even try to hide it. But I was too blind to see it. And now he's cutting my grass, right under my nose."

Wincing, the memories of that night come crashing back. I foolishly disregarded the undeniable chemistry between Chase and me, despite our conversation at the bar. Chase's face hardens, but he doesn't back down.

"You've got it all wrong, Kyle," Chase says, coldly. "You left her. You walked away. I didn't steal anything from you."

Kyle's eyes narrow with anger, and he takes an aggressive step toward Chase. "You always did play second fiddle, didn't you? Couldn't handle me getting the girl, so you waited until I messed up. Well, congrats, Chase. You've got your shot."

"Stop it!" I yell at the top of my lungs. Turning, they both seem to realise the gravity of their words. The choice now resting squarely on my shoulders. "This isn't about you two," I say, my voice shaky but firm. "This is about me. And right now, I don't know what to think."

Kyle's look softens, reaching for my hand. "Penny, I know I hurt you. And I know I don't deserve another chance, but I swear to you, I won't run again. I love you. We can still have everything we planned."

It would be easy to get back together with Kyle. To go back to the familiar life, we shared. But do I want that still? Is it even possible to turn it all around? To go back to how it was before? This chaotic situation that Kyle has centred me in doesn't help his case. Although, behind me, Chase's commanding presence in the room gives me pause. There is a peculiar sense of comfort in being able to perceive his emotions even without actively searching for them. Simply being present gives me a sense of strength that I would never have the courage to possess otherwise.

Kyle steps closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Penny, please. I know I messed up, but we're supposed to be together. Don't throw away what we have."

I close my eyes, trying to block everything out. I'm torn between two vastly different futures, and I have no idea what to do. I look back at Chase, hoping to find guidance.

"Chase?" He meets my gaze, and for a moment, the room is silent. Even the birds outside seem to hold their breath. I feel the weight of everything unsaid between us pressing down, like the entire world is hanging on his next words.

"I'll walk away if that's what you want, Penny," he says quietly. "But don't let him guilt you into something you're not sure about. You deserve better than that."

His selfless words sit at the bottom of my stomach like a rock, and nausea builds in unison with my increasing anxiety. Tears prick at the corner of my eyes. This is so overwhelming. Would Chase really walk away from me again if I told him to? I'm such a fool to think he would fight for me this time around. After the past few days, I thought things had changed. That maybe I had been wrong in choosing Kyle all those years ago. Yet, what would happen if I asked Chase to stay? If I chose him.

I'm caught between the past and the possibility of a future, and I don't know which one is real anymore.

Kyle lets out a frustrated breath. "Of course you'd say that. You had your chance, Chase, and you blew it. Remember? The night we all met? You were sitting there, tongue-tied, while I made my move. You could've had her, but you didn't. So don't act like you're some hero now."

Chase's eyes darken, but he remains silent. When he speaks, his voice is steady and controlled. "I wasn't ready then. But I am now."

Kyle's jaw clenches, eyes growing wild, and for a moment, I think he might take a swing at his brother. I'm drowning in this sea of tension. Stuck in the middle, torn between two men who represent two very different parts of my life.

"I... I need time. I can't make this decision right now," I say, trying to buy myself time. Time to get my thoughts together, to figure out what I really want. Who I really want.

Kyle's face falls, but he nods. "Okay. I'll give you time, Pen. But just know, I'm not giving up on us."

Casting one lastpiercing glare at Chase, he pivots and makes his way towards the exit. The cabindoor slams shut, leaving me alone with Chase.