After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 84

"I'm not avoiding you," Gloria said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Elijah stepped into her personal space, his designer cologne overwhelming her senses. "Bullshit. You're practically running a marathon to dodge me every day. Won't even look at me when we pass in the hallway. What else would you call that?"

"Is it because of me and Jenna? That's it, isn't it?"

"God, no!" Gloria took a step back. "Mr. Phillips, I'm actually happy for you both. Seriously. I've finally gotten the message-you'll never feel that way about me. I'm done."

His expression darkened. The idea of Gloria not pining after him seemed to physically offend him.

"Right. When I shot down your confession, you wouldn't quit. When I rejected your endless DMs and gifts, you kept pushing. So what's this new angle? Playing it cool to get my attention?"

He watched her face like a hawk, catching her startled expression. That was all the confirmation he needed.

Moving closer, his voice went arctic as he spotted the box in her arms. "If you're so 'over me,' what's with all these love letters? These sketches? After stalking me for years, you expect me to buy that you just magically got over it?"

"You don't see how pathetic this looks?"

met his gaze. Of course it sounded ridiculous-she'd been the girl who cried wolf too

I get it. I was crazy about you, Mr. Phillips. But you'll never

the box's contents at his feet. Then, methodically, she shredded every letter and sketch into

she noticed his expression growing darker rather than relieved. Before she could

your head-Jenna is

after that. Gloria had nothing left to say, and Elijah,

the Phillips family dinner. Once upon a time, these gatherings had been Gloria's show, with the family

Mrs. Phillips. Gloria? Just the awkward

one brutal morning, Gloria watched the family roll out the red carpet for Jenna. Mrs. Phillips immediately clasped the family's priceless

the conversation. By dessert, they'd locked down

slip out with the others, Mrs.

study door closed, the woman didn't bother with pleasantries: "Gloria, sweetie,

now. Hanging around here just makes

Gloria's confession turned her into persona non grata. After that, she became the family scandal, the gold-digger,

her palm. "Don't worry.

to London. He's lined up some eligible