Justin was lying at Lance’s and Michael’s sofa. Instead of working on his tour concept, he’ve spent the whole day here, trying to figure out what to do next.

Lance and Michael just brought their kids into bed and joined him in the living room.

„T… I understand you’re devastated, but you need to pull yourself together.“ Lance said carefully. 

Justin just sighed and grabbed his face. 

„I don’t know what to do.“

„I already told you. Leave the sinking ship and go back to your beautiful wife.“ Michael answered.

„And then what?“ Justin asked. „Should I just pretend I’m not in love with Eve anymore until I believe it myself?“ 

„It’s not like you have a choice.“ Lance replied. 

Justin scoffed. 

„So? It’s Jess or nothing? Is this what you’re saying?“ 

„Dude. Recently you explained to me, that Eve is obsessed with C since he agreed to the triangle. Tell me one good reason, why she should give you another chance, if it’s him she’s craving for.“ Lance said.“

„Show some self respect and go, before she asks you to do so.“ Michael added. 

„Why you believe Jess deserves another chance?“ Justin wanted to know. 

„She’s the mother of your kids. And you’ve been happy together for a very long time. Honestly spoken, if you didn’t get distracted by Eve, I believe there would’ve been a realistic chance to save your marriage. Jess is not the only one to blame, that things started falling apart.“ Lance said. 

„My husband is right. You both made mistakes. But your kids are reason enough to give it another try. They deserve being with their mom and dad, don’t you think?“ Michael asked. 

Justin sighed again. 

„I’m just afraid things will never be the same again. I’m afraid I will never stop thinking about Eve.“ 

„You’ll never know, if you don’t give it a try.“ Lance answered. 

„Come on, man. It’s time to close that crazy chapter of your life. Eve belongs to C. She always did and she always will.“ Michael added. 

Eve returned home late. She stayed in the office longer than necessary to sort her mind after her session with Miranda. She was kind of terrified about what she learned about herself and her feelings for Josh and Justin. But she was also very grateful, that Miranda made her finally understand her own behavior. 

Eve parked her car in front of the house and took a deep breath. She noticed, Justin wasn’t home, yet. 

„Josh?“ She shouted, as she entered the house.

He came downstairs in the next moment.

„Hey, love. I just brought Jake into bed.“ He explained.

Eve waited, until he arrived downstairs. Then she fell around his neck and kissed him deep. He embraced her body and pulled her close to his chest, responding her kiss. It didn’t take long as she felt his arousal pressing against her body. She broke their kiss. 

„Chemistry.“ She whispered. 

„Chemistry?“ He repeated. 

Eve nodded and kissed his lips again. 

„Baby… if you don’t stop, I’m gonna do you right here right now…“ He talked into her mouth. 

Slowly she broke their kiss again, looking deep into his eyes. 

„I’m sorry, Josh.“ 

He frowned. 

„For what?“

„Everything.“ 

„Honey, what is going on?“ He asked concerned. 

„The triangle should have never happened. I feel deeply ashamed that I dared asking for it.“ 

He released her waist and cupped her face with both hands. 

„What are you trying to say, Eve?“

„It was always you, Josh. I just didn’t allow myself to accept the obvious.“ 

He looked deep into her eyes for another moment. 

„I understand, that T disappointed you. But trust me, he still loves you with all of his heart…“

„Josh.“ She interrupted him. „I’m relieved.“ 

„Relieved?“ He asked confused. 

„I’m relieved things with Jess happened. It made me realize what I really want. I don’t need the triangle. I don’t need another man, but you.“ 

He continued staring at her. Then he smiled calmly. 

„I knew it.“ 

„You knew what?“ She asked irritated. 

„I knew the triangle was just a temporary solution and that you would choose me in the end.“

Eve smiled back sheepishly. 

„Is that the reason, why you suddenly agreed to all of this?“ 

„Yes. I believed being close to you would remind you faster were you belong. And it happened surprisingly fast.“ 

„Because of Jess.“ 

„No. This has nothing to do with Jess. You were all mine from the moment I agreed to the triangle. It was like someone flicked a switch in your mind.“

„I didn’t notice it was so obvious.“ 

Josh smiled smugly. 

„But Mateo and Sarah told you.“ 

She smiled back and nodded. Josh kissed her forehead gently and pulled her back into his arms. They hugged each other tightly.

„You are everything to me, cupcake. No one will ever love you more and want you more than I do.“ He whispered. 

In the next moment the front door open up. Justin entered the hall. Eve and Josh released each other, staring at him. He looked back at Eve, obviously being very tensed. 

„We need to talk.“ He said quietly. 

Eve nodded. 

„I’m waiting upstairs“ Josh said. 

„No. This concerns all of us, don’t you think?“ Justin replied. 

All of them went into the living room and sat down around the coffee table. Eve’s heart was beating fast. She wasn’t prepared, but she knew they needed to have this conversation right now. 

Justin was sitting in the armchair, giving her a regretful look. Josh sat next to Eve at the sofa, waiting for them to talk. 

„Justin…“ Eve started talking, but then didn’t find the right words to continue. 

„It’s over.“ He suddenly said.

Eve’s heart dropped. She didn’t expect to hear that from him. Josh stared at his best friend in disbelief. 

„This is what you want?“ Eve asked with shaky voice. 

„No. But this is the best for us.“ Justin answered. 

Eve’s eyes filled with tears. She wanted to break up with him tonight. But now he made the first move. She didn’t expect it would hurt so much.

„Please don’t think I’m giving up on you easily. I just don’t see a future for me in this relationship.“ 

„Justin…“

„I know you’ll never love me the way you love C. It’s more than obvious it’s him you really want.“

Eve wiped away her tears.  

„I don’t know what to say…“ She stammered. 

„Just let me go. It’s for the best.“

Eve tried hard to pull herself together. She inhaled deeply, before she replied. 

„I know my selfish and reckless behavior brought us into this situation. You didn’t deserve any of this, Justin. I agreed being with you although my heart wasn’t free. I should have known the consequences. Instead I used you to fill the gap in my heart, as I was craving for love and attention. I don’t recognize myself anymore when I Iook back and see what I’ve put both of you through. But you must know, I love you sincerely. I never lied about my feelings for you. I love both of you. However, you’re right when you say, it’s not the same way.“ 

Justin listened carefully, while he was fighting his tears. When she finished talking, he looked at her for a moment.

„Then we’re on the same page.“ He finally replied. 

Eve wiped away her tears and nodded. 

„Okay. Let me just say goodbye to Jake.“ 

He stood up. Eve immediately did the same. 

„Justin…“ She sobbed, looking at him with deep regrets. 

He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms to hug her tightly. She did the same and started crying badly.

„I love you.“ She whined. 

Justin kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent. 

„I love you, too, M. I always will. Please don’t forget that.“