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?"

ridiculous-she'd been the girl who cried wolf too many

get it. I was crazy about you, Mr. Phillips. But you'll never love me back, so I'm moving on. For real

she dumped the box's contents at his feet. Then, methodically, she

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

But get this through your head-Jenna is the only one who matters

nothing left to say, and Elijah, convinced she

had been Gloria's show, with the family doting on her until

Jenna show. Obviously-she was the future Mrs. Phillips. Gloria? Just the awkward houseguest who'd overstayed her welcome. Everyone got the memo

the family roll out the red carpet for Jenna. Mrs. Phillips immediately clasped the family's priceless vintage

By dessert,

with the others, Mrs. Phillips cornered

her study door closed, the woman didn't bother with pleasantries:

are engaged now. Hanging around here just makes you look desperate. What exactly are you hoping

once treated her like a daughter-until Gloria's confession turned her into persona non

nails into her palm. "Don't worry.

to London. He's lined up some eligible bachelor for me there. I won't be around to 'embarrass' your