Chapter 156: conflicted Between Chasing After Her Letting Go

Gabriel's POV

As Clairessa walked out, I stood frozen—caught between chasing after her or

letting her go.

And I let her go.

Even though it felt like someone had reached into my chest and torn my heart out

without mercy.

The last look on her face—God, I'd never forget it. That raw, agonizing pain in her

eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I did that.

All because I let my emotions override every ounce of reason I had.

Because of a fucking photo. One I didn't even trust. I reacted without thinking.

Without proof. Without giving her the benefit of the doubt.

I let it poison everything. Let suspicion consume me. Let anger drive me—and

now? God, now I might've destroyed the one good thing I had.

I may have just destroyed the only real chance at love I've ever had. At

happiness. At peace.

"Fuck..." I muttered, dragging both hands through my hair, fingers tangling in the

strands like I could burn the frustration out through my scalp.

But nothing made sense anymore.

Flashes from the night before hit me like a brutal tide. Standing Clairessa up on

the rooftop. Ignoring her messages. Driving to The Cave, letting the music drown

out my thoughts.

The burn of alcohol. The lights. The strippers. Tina.

Meeting her. Drinking. Letting her get close.

Bringing her here.

I remembered the strip tease. Her grinding on me. Her hands roaming as she

undressed me—lips on my skin, fingers tugging off my shirt... then reaching

lower, fumbling with my pants... my briefs.

And after that—nothing. Just a blank space.

around slowly, dreading

the door, arms loosely crossed over her chest, biting her lip like

know what to

Like she was sorry.

what was running through my

last night?" I asked, my

didn't..."

words refused to come out. My

her say it. I

Clairessa—physically.

interrupted, raising a hand. "You were drunk. Completely out

it."

at her, the words barely

"What?"

admitted, looking away.

on you back

firmly. "You passed out right after I undressed you. I

half-naked from dancing—I just lay down

happened."

breath of relief

loosening just

reaction and

to what you

she stepped closer,

now, "I

the

drunk man

mumbling another woman's name."

stared at her, shocked

the idea that even through the haze of

had stayed with

and over. You kept saying her name—Clairessa. It

of

paused, then added

seeing her so

pain on her

way she stormed

apart too... I

couldn't go through with

You

her the truth—that

happened between us."

to respond, but my voice cracked. I looked down at

shame too heavy to

quietly. "I think I've burned it

though I hadn't

It didn't matter.

Didn't undo what Clairessa saw when

on her face. The

And the worst part?

wait for me to explain. She just

into someone she

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