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?"

course it sounded ridiculous-she'd been the girl who cried

Phillips. But you'll never love me back, so I'm moving on. For real this

at his

growing darker rather than relieved. Before she could process this,

this through your head-Jenna is the only

Gloria had nothing left to say, and Elijah, convinced

these gatherings had been Gloria's show, with the family doting on her until Elijah had to

Gloria? Just the awkward houseguest

Mrs. Phillips immediately clasped the family's priceless vintage Cartier bracelet around Jenna's wrist-a piece Gloria had never even glimpsed in

wedding plans dominated the conversation. By dessert, they'd

with the others, Mrs. Phillips cornered her for

door closed, the woman didn't bother with pleasantries: "Gloria, sweetie, time to back

around here just makes you

Mrs. Phillips's voice made Gloria's chest tight. This woman had once treated her like a daughter-until Gloria's confession turned her into persona non grata. After that, she became the family

nails into her palm. "Don't worry.

"Just talked to Dad about moving to London. He's lined up some eligible bachelor for me there. I