#Chapter 44: The Truth
Abby

The door to my office clicks shut, its noise echoing in the room, serving as a final punctuation to Karl’s

exit.

I watch him go, and the residue of our past, thick with pain and longing, clings to me, making it hard to

breathe.

A sigh escapes me as I lean back into my chair, the cool leather pressing against my back, providing a

temporary relief.

The whiff of the past and our complicated relationship is still strong in the air. Passing a hand over my

face, I let the sensation of touch distract me momentarily. How I wish things could be different, simpler.

But my heart is still entangled with Adam’s, and the thought of ending it leaves me adrift in a sea of

uncertainty. I haven’t made my decision yet; I love Adam. He’s been my rock for a long time now. We

have plenty in common, and he’s sweet and caring…

But he just doesn’t seem to have the same passion for me as I would hope he would. He’s sweet, yes,

but I don’t feel like a priority in his life.

I want him to want me; I want him to get angry and jealous over Karl, I want him to have sex with me, I

want him to show up when he says he will because he can’t get enough of me. And yet here I am, a

ring on my finger, and he can hardly make time for me. It makes me feel worthless.

Then there’s Karl. Sweet Karl. He’s changed so much recently. He’s become kinder, more

understanding. He still has his rough edges, his undeniable Alpha attitude, but that’s what I like about

him.

But he divorced me. His words may be dripping with sweetness now, but nothing can erase that fact.

My phone vibrates on my desk, its sudden intrusion breaking through my thoughts. The screen displays

Leah’s name. Picking it up, I answer, “Hey.”

“Abby, Chloe told me about what happened. Not just with Adam, but… your burn. Are you okay?”

I glance down at my arm, the scarlet mark still raw and angry. “I’m fine now. Got the burn taken care

of,” I reply, attempting to sound more upbeat than I feel.

voice is laced with concern, but there’s also an underlying tone that

hesitate.

you explain something you don’t

end, as though reading my

and Adam, know that I’m behind you. But…” she

run

me. Why does everyone assume I’d go

they think of

seems

nothing between us. And besides, if I do decide to end things with Adam,

while. I don’t need to

hint of

we

I didn’t mean to snap.

“It’s just…

her voice. “I know, Abby. It’s okay. Want me to

genuine smile tugs at my lips. “How about one of

those.”

Chloe, and an avalanche of pastries?” Leah teases. “It’s a date. I’ll

Leah. It means a

me wrapped in my own thoughts once again. With a sigh, I decide to make

the bar for one last drink before

delicate shadows across the bar, wrapping everything

intimate shroud. There’s a sense of stillness, like the world has paused just for

sleek mahogany counter, cradling a half-filled glass of white wine,

providing a faint comfort.

through the speakers, a melancholy tune

the tables, the floor recently mopped, and a faint

pristine, almost picture-perfect, but it feels

scene missing its

last night still haunt me. Adam’s biting words, the tension between

questions. It feels like a chasm has

relationship once held.

tumultuous thoughts, I hardly notice the tap on my shoulder

persistent. I turn, and for a split second, everything

“Adam.”

inviting, look heavy

sets me on edge. The bar’s ambient lighting

halo around him, but it does little to alleviate the

doing here?” The surprise in my voice is unmistakable,

taking the seat next to me. The space between us

as if a single spark

my thoughts. The cool liquid does little to

my emotions. “I don’t know if tonight’s

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