#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.

laced with concern, but there’s also

hesitate.

do you explain something you don’t fully

on the other end, as though reading my thoughts. “Listen,

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

run back

flash of irritation courses through me. Why does everyone assume I’d go

they think of

I can stop myself, “everyone seems to believe I’ll just fall back into

And besides, if I do decide to end things with

while. I don’t need to jump from one relationship to

when she responds, a hint of hurt evident. “Okay, Abby. I

we all feel about

washes over me. I didn’t mean to snap. “I’m sorry, Leah,” I say,

on me. “It’s just… it’s been

chuckles, the warmth returning to her voice. “I know, Abby. It’s okay. Want me to come

one of

those.”

avalanche of pastries?” Leah teases. “It’s a date. I’ll set

me. “Thanks, Leah. It

thoughts once again. With a sigh, I decide to

to the bar for one last drink

delicate shadows across

of stillness, like the world has paused

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

providing a faint comfort.

the speakers, a melancholy tune that matches

tables, the floor recently mopped, and a faint

is pristine, almost

crafted scene missing its central

me.

It feels like a chasm has formed overnight, swallowing the joy

relationship once held.

thoughts, I hardly notice the tap on

I turn, and for a

“Adam.”

familiar eyes, usually so warm and inviting, look heavy with emotion.

immediately sets me on edge.

to alleviate the storm of emotions brewing within

surprise in my voice

to see you, Abby,” he says, carefully taking the seat next to me. The space between

if a single spark

gather my thoughts. The cool liquid does little to temper

my emotions. “I don’t know

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