She knew before he said anything.
Not because someone told her.
Not because she found proof.
But because she could feel it.
Percy wasn't the same anymore.
He still showed up.
Still talked.
Still tried.
But something was missing.
And when you love someone…
You notice when they're not really there.
"Is there someone else?" she asked one evening.
No anger.
No accusation.
Just honesty.
Percy froze.
Not in confusion—
But in recognition.
"Don't lie to me," she added softly.
He exhaled slowly, like he had been holding it in for too long.
"There was someone," he said.
Was.
But his voice didn't sound finished.
Her heart tightened slightly.
"What do you mean was?"
"She left," he said quietly.
Something about that hurt more than she expected.
Not because the girl was gone—
But because of the way he said it.
"Who is she?"
He hesitated.
Then said it.
"Valerine."
The name lingered in the air.
"And you… loved her?" she asked.
Percy didn't look away this time.
"Yes."
There it was.
Clear. Undeniable.
She nodded slowly, her chest tightening—not from shock, but from confirmation of something she had already felt.
"That's why you've been distant," she said quietly.
"That's why you don't laugh the same way anymore."
He didn't argue.
Because he couldn't.
"You're here," she continued, her voice steady, "but you're not really with me."
Silence.
Heavy. Honest.
She took a deep breath.
Not to hold back tears—
But to steady herself.
"I really like you, Percy," she admitted.
"And I stayed because I thought… maybe it was just a phase. Maybe you'd come back to me fully."
He looked at her, guilt written all over his face.
"But you didn't," she added softly.
"And I don't think you will."
That was the moment everything shifted.
Not because he said something—
But because she finally said it out loud.
"You love her," she said.
"And even though she's not here… she's still with you."
Percy didn't deny it.
She smiled faintly.
Not out of happiness—
But out of acceptance.
"You should go to her," she said.
He blinked. "What?"
"You heard me," she replied gently. "Go to her. Be with the person you actually love."
"I can't just—"
"Yes, you can," she interrupted softly.
"Because staying here with me… while your heart is somewhere else…"
She shook her head.
"That's not fair. Not to me. Not to you."
He looked torn.
Conflicted.
But she had already made her decision.
"I deserve someone who chooses me completely," she said.
"And you deserve to stop pretending."
Silence fell between them.
But this time, it wasn't painful.
It was… freeing.
"I hope you find her," she added quietly.
"And I hope… she still wants you."
That last part lingered.
Because they both knew—
That wasn't guaranteed.
She turned and walked away.
Not broken.
Not defeated.
Just… done.
And for the first time—
Percy stood there with nothing left to hold onto.