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.”

The back door swung open, and

in,” he

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Chapter 30: Breathless

to argue. The warmth of the car provided a momentary

the annoyance on his face softened to concern. “Why didn’t you stay where you were like I told you to?” he asked gently, his gaze fixed

to speak. I didn’t trust my voice,

his eyes searched mine for answers. “Please, say something.” he urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to

being in his arms calmed the chaos in my mind. All the shame and pain from seeing Adrian with Nicole

I was in Gabriel’s guest room, lying on soft, warm sheets. He had brought me here, put me to bed. The thought warmed

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

over the side of the bed. I couldn’t lie in bed with those

the bed. It was Gabriel’s

see that douche Adrian. I unclasped my bra

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Chapter 30 Breathless

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

deep voice echoed from the living room,

my presence. 1 faked a grin in an attr to act tough but still hit a side table with my leg, sending a stack of books

to gather

his call, his attention now fully on me. He crossed the room to help me up,

guiding me to one of his

so we could talk, I heard your voice faint and shaky… I could tell something was wrong. I was scared something had happened to you.” His hand tucked a

sending heat flooding through me. But before I could

my gaze locking with his. There was something different in

earlier?” he asked, his

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Chapter 30: Breathless

broke off, the memory still fresh in my head.

tightening as his expression darkened. “Did he say something that

my voice shaky as the pain welled up inside. “When I arrived at his restaurant… I saw him with the same woman he cheated

see him in the first place? What

I don’t know why I went,” I admitted, feeling small under his scrutiny. “He kept calling, asking

him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear in his

believe,” I shot back defensively. “I thought maybe if

he treated you,

feeling belittled by his judgment. “But it’s not that simple. I can’t

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