Zac gave an awkward smile and shook his head. “No, but I did discover something. This morning, Mrs. Ford donated all of her belongings to the Sunshine Community Center.
“She even included the engagement ring you gave her.”
Nick froze, his entire body stiffening as if all life had drained out of him. For a moment, it was as though he couldn’t comprehend what Zac had just said.
“What… what did you say?” he finally stammered After a long pause, he managed to regain a shred of composure and asked again, his words trembling, “What do you mean Mia donated everything she owned to the community center?
Zac remained silent, lowering his head, unsure of how to respond.
“I’m asking you a question!” Nick roared, losing his temper. He grabbed Zac by the collar and shouted, “Answer me! Why would Mia donate everything she owned to a community center? Who gave her permission to do that?
“Why didn’t you stop her? You useles idiot! What’s the point of having you around if you can’t even do this?!
“Get out of here! Go find Mia! If you can’t bring her back, don’t bother coming back!”
Nick was like a man unhinged, shouting hysterically like someone on the brink of madness.
In that moment, all of his confidence, his arrogance, his pride–it all shattered into nothingness.
For the first time, with painful clarity, he realized he had truly lost Mia.
