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

supportive of me, and I don’t have room for that kind of negativity

up, his eyes intense and unwavering. “I want to be supportive, Abby. I messed up. Let

make it right.”

can’t keep the skepticism out of my voice.

win me back? Because those are two very different

the gap between us, and I involuntarily hold my breath. “I can’t lie

I care

everything else did.”

a nerve I thought I’d killed off long ago. I look into his

myself believe him. “You caring

different things. You have a funny way of showing

softly, “and I’m sorry for that. I never wanted

wanted to do.”

disarms me, leaving me exposed. I’ve fortified myself with layers of

now, standing in front of him, it

you ever wanted to do,” I say, my

like he’s been holding it in for as long

the way I should’ve

weighty mixture of hope and regret. I

that old wounds can heal and become nothing

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