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?"

girl who cried wolf too many times. But this time

Phillips. But you'll never

his feet. Then, methodically, she shredded

the falling pieces, she noticed his expression growing darker rather than relieved. Before

through your head-Jenna is the only

say, and Elijah,

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

Gloria? Just the awkward houseguest who'd overstayed her

for Jenna. Mrs. Phillips immediately clasped the family's

By dessert, they'd locked down a date at some

to slip out with the others,

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

Jenna are engaged now. Hanging around here just makes you look

in 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 scandal, the gold-digger, the social

nails into her palm. "Don't worry. I'm out of

her immigration paperwork. "Just talked to Dad about moving to London. He's lined up some eligible bachelor for me there. I won't be around to 'embarrass' your son