Chapter 106
“Listen, I just came to talk,” he finally says. “If you don’t want to, I understand.”

I can’t look away from him; his presence is too overwhelming, too filled with a history I’ve been trying to

ignore. “You came to talk? Really? Because last time we talked, you made it abundantly clear how you

felt about my success.”

His eyes narrow, stung by my accusation. “I am happy for you, Abby. I wish you would believe that.”

“How can I believe it?” I retort, gripping the edge of the counter to keep my hands from shaking. “Your

entire demeanor changed. You said yourself that the competition would get in the way of the party.”

Karl looks down, exhaling slowly like he’s measuring each breath, weighing each word before it leaves

his mouth. “You’re right. I said some stuff last night that I shouldn’t have, because I was angry. But I am

happy for you, Abby. Way more than you realize. And I’m sorry.”

My eyes meet his, searching for any sign of insincerity. All I find is a quiet regret that somehow makes

me even angrier. “Sorry doesn’t just erase things, Karl. You being angry about my success tells me

me, and I don’t have room for that

want to

make it right.”

support me?” I can’t keep the skepticism

back? Because

and I involuntarily hold my breath. “I can’t lie and

back. But above all, I care about you, Abby. That’s

everything else did.”

something raw inside me, a nerve I thought I’d killed off long

believe

things. You have a funny way

know,” he says softly, “and I’m sorry for that. I never

wanted to do.”

sincerity disarms me, leaving me exposed. I’ve fortified

of him, it all feels paper-thin.

to do,” I say,

holding it in

the person who supports you, the way I

question hangs in the air, filled with a weighty mixture of hope and regret. I

wounds can heal and

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