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.”

door swung

get in,” he ordered.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

The warmth of the car provided a momentary comfort to

to concern. “Why didn’t you stay where you were like I told you to?”

didn’t trust my voice, afraid I might fall apart completely in front of him.

what happened,” he said softly, his tone gentle as his eyes searched mine for answers. “Please, say something.” he urged, his fingers brushing against my cheek to wipe away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. “Did someone hurt

breaking down. He pulled me into his arms, his embrace comforting. For some reason, being in his arms calmed the chaos in my mind.

closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I was in Gabriel’s guest room, lying on soft, warm sheets. He

at me. I couldn’t shake the image of him with Nicole. It

than it should, and swung my legs over the side of the

a neatly folded shirt left on the chair beside the bed.

to go see that douche Adrian. I

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Chapter 30 Breathless

oversized, stopping just right above my thighs, exposing a large part of my legs Desperate to distract myself, I made my way down the stairs.

the living room, pulling me toward

attr to act tough but still hit a side table with

kneeling to

He crossed the room to help me up, his strong hands gently

me to one of

I was scared something had happened to you.” His hand tucked a

through me. But before I could relax into his touch, he pulled

different in

happened earlier?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

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Chapter 30: Breathless

him…” My voice broke off, the memory

his expression

his restaurant… I saw him with the same woman he cheated on me with. I guess… I

go see him in the first place? What were you expecting?” His voice

feeling small under his scrutiny. “He kept calling, asking for a second

believed him?” Gabriel scoffed, the disappointment clear

shot back defensively. “I thought maybe

he retorted, his words cold. “The way he treated you, the lying, the cheating–that’s

that simple. I can’t just switch my feelings

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