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?"

gaze. Of course it sounded ridiculous-she'd been the girl

you'll never love me back, so I'm moving on. For

at his feet. Then, methodically, she shredded every letter and sketch into

darker rather than relieved. Before she

your head-Jenna is the only one who matters

say, and

Once upon a time, these gatherings had been Gloria's show, with the family doting on her until Elijah had to rescue her from

Mrs. Phillips. Gloria? Just the awkward houseguest who'd overstayed

Phillips immediately clasped the

the conversation. By dessert,

to slip out with the others, Mrs.

closed, the woman didn't bother with

Jenna are engaged now. Hanging around here just makes

Gloria's confession turned her into persona

into her palm. "Don't worry. I'm

about moving to London. He's lined up some eligible bachelor