Chapter 17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

Clairessa’s POV

Chapter 17. Leaving The Trauma Behind

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‘I woke up, my arms instinctively reaching out for Gabriel, but the side of the bed where he slept was empty. A wave of disappointment hit me as I realized he was gone. The memories of last night started flooding back, and I tried to push away the thoughts of that horrible man, Marco. The fear and pain he had inflicted still lingered in my mind.

If Gabriel hadn’t arrived in time, who knows what Marco might have done? I shuddered at the thought but quickly pushed it away.

It felt like all my hopes were crashing before they even began. I couldn’t help but feel sad, knowing today was the last day of the trip, and we still hadn’t secured an investor. But I didn’t want to dwell on the negatives.

I needed to focus on the fact that I was safe. And it was all thanks to Gabriel. He had rescued and

defended me in a way no one ever had.

There was a tenderness in him I hadn’t seen before. His warmth, his strength–that was what I wanted to

remember.

With Gabriel’s arms around me, I had slept like a baby. It was the first real rest I’d had in what felt like forever. My fingers softly caressed the spot where Gabriel had lain, inhaling the musky scent he left behind.

That’s when I noticed the note on the pillow beside me. I picked it up and read it. His handwriting was bold and somewhat beautiful… it was so him.

I hope you were able to sleep well. I’m sorry I had to leave, but breakfast is served. Get some rest–we’ll be leaving soon.

O

C

Ν

O

<

1A

13:42 Pie, 11 Feb

The Trauma

-Gabriel Storm

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and saw the array of food laid out on the table. It was

was all I wanted right now. The tenderness he had shown

to this desire, it would finally rid me of the cravings I felt whenever he was near. I didn’t want

all I wanted was to hurt him right back. Gabriel was a

later, I was dressed in a sunflower dress, my suitcase packed and ready by the door. I had made up my mind

yet. I had to focus on the future, and I couldn’t do

he asked, his eyes filled with the same tenderness I’d seen last

better,” I replied, managing

as he brushed a thumb

2/

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O

<

11 Feb

17: Leaving The Trauma Behind

with a

The thought of sharing intimate details about myself with someone else didn’t sit well with me.

alright,” he said calmly, sensing my apprehension. “Whenever you’re ready, just let me know.” He gave me a reassuring smile before

my hand over his, our eyes locking briefly. “You don’t

replied, his tone firm but kind. “The butler will get the rest.” He took the luggage and walked toward

spoke on the phone in French, and once the call ended,

I

a hand through his hair. “Marco and his men escaped last night, just before the cops arrived,” he said, his voice tight with frustration. His jaw clenched, and I could see the strain on his face. He was trying to keep it together, but the news clearly affected him, as it

quietly, resting my hand on his arm. “I’m just grateful you got there in time to save

you, Clairessa, I’ll find him. And when I do, I’ll make him pay for what

voice, a protectiveness that

3/

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e, 11

Leaving The Trauma Behind

“I’ve decided to leave the horrifying experience of that night back at the hotel. It’s too much trauma to take

in his eyes. “How can you be so forgiving and calm after everything?” he

him,” I explained. “I do it for myself. If I truly want to move

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