I followed them as they moved through the corridors, Derrick guiding Samantha toward the exit. The fluorescent lights reflected off the glass doors as he draped his jacket over her shoulders, shielding her from the autumn rain that had begun to fall outside. I watched from a distance as Samantha leaned up, pulling Derrick close by his tie and planting a kiss on his lips. Then, her eyes drifted toward me, catching sight of me with a look of smug satisfaction.
“Looks like you’ve lost,” she mouthed, her expression as cold as the rain falling outside.
A faint, calm smile formed on my lips. “He’s just a man, nothing more,” I whispered under my breath, feeling a strange freedom wash over me.
I was done with tears and done with pleading for his love. I didn’t need Derrick anymore—I needed only to secure a future free from his betrayal.