Chapter 30: Breathless8

Clairessa’s POV

Chapter 30: Breathless

I arrived at Adrian’s restaurant, and a wave of nostalgla hit me as I took in the familiar surroundings. Memories of our time together overwhelmed me–late nights spent here, the Ideas I had shared to help him grow the business, even the colors I chose for the walls. I had put so much into his dream, pausing mine because I believed we were building a future together. How wrong I was.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed a waitress approach. “Do you have a reservation?” she asked.

I nodded absentmindedly, my eyes scanning the tables for Adrian. Then I saw him, standing by the bar.

He wasn’t alone.

Nicole stood beside him, laughing, and they were deep in conversation.

My heart sank. Of course, he hadn’t changed. All those promises, all the begging for a second chance–it was all a lie. He was still the same lying, cheating… jerk. Tears stung my eyes as I tried to hold myself together, but it was too much. Why did it still hurt this much? Maybe because I hadn’t fully let him go, and deep down, I had hoped he had changed.

I wanted to march over and confront them for being so shameless, but before I could, I found myself running out of the restaurant. The cold air hit my skin like tiny needles.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I struggled to pull myself together. I opened my phone to order a ride, but there was a surge, and no drivers were available.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

“Perfect. Just my luck,” I muttered bitterly, kicking at the pavement as I walked. My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen.

It was Gabriel.

Hell. My heart raced as I stared at the screen. Gabriel had texted earlier saying he would come over, but when no call or message followed, I assumed he wasn’t coming. That’s why I decided to see Adrian. Now, I had to answer him. I couldn’t let Adrian’s betrayal or my own personal struggles interfere with my career. But I also couldn’t let Gabriel see me like this–broken.

I answered, my voice shaky as I tried to keep my emotions together. “Hello, Mr. Storm.”

There was silence on the other end before his deep, concerned voice came through. “Clairessa, what’s wrong?”

“I’m… fine,” I lied, though my voice cracked, betraying me.

“You don’t sound fine. Where are you?”

I hesitated. “On my way home.”

“Stay where you are. I’m coming to get you.”

beside me. The back door

get in,” he ordered.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

feeling too exhausted to argue. The warmth of the car provided a momentary comfort to the cold

didn’t you stay where you were like I told you to?” he asked gently, his gaze fixed on my tear–streaked

couldn’t bring myself to speak. I didn’t trust my voice, afraid I might fall apart completely in front of

mine for answers. “Please, say something.” he urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to wipe away a tear I

some reason, being in his arms calmed the chaos in my mind. All

on soft, warm sheets. He had brought me

memories of Adrian came rushing back, eating at me. I couldn’t shake the image

up slowly, my body feeling heavier than it should, and swung my legs over the side of the

the bed. It was Gabriel’s shirt–he must have left it for me to change

I unclasped my bra and pulled on the shirt. It smelled faintly of

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Chapter 30 Breathless

stopping just right above my thighs, exposing a large part of my legs Desperate to distract myself, I

echoed from the living room,

in an attr to act tough but still hit a side table with my leg, sending a stack of books crashing to the floor

I stuttered, kneeling to

He crossed the room to help

sit,” he urged, guiding me to one of his luxurious sofas.

wrong. I was scared something had happened to you.” His hand tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I’m glad

lightly against my cheek, sending heat flooding through me. But before I could relax into his

was something different in his eyes this time -softer, more compassionate. A look

earlier?” he asked, his voice filled with

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Chapter 30: Breathless

voice broke off, the memory

Gabriel interjected, his jaw tightening as his expression darkened.

restaurant… I saw

cursed under his breath. “Why did you go see him in the first

I admitted, feeling small under his scrutiny. “He kept calling, asking for

you believed him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear in his

defensively. “I thought

he treated you, the lying, the cheating–that’s all the closure you

his judgment. “But it’s not that simple. I can’t just switch

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