Chapter 19
The sun streamed in through the window, a little too bright for how heavy my body felt. I blinked hard, adjusting to the light, then sat up slowly. trying to remember what day it was
I padded out of my room and down the hallway, my feet dragging a little as I headed toward the kitchen. The smell of coffee was already in the air, and when I turned the comer, there he was.
Karl.
He was standing by the counter, sleeves rolled up, mug in hand, scrolling through something on his phone. I froze mid–step. My eyes dropped to his hands, then to his face. He didn’t look up.
For a second, I stood there like an idiot. I didn’t know why seeing him again made my chest feel tight. Maybe it was the memory of last night, his arms around me, the way he had held me while I cried
I cleared my throat softly, stepping
bing fully into the kitchen.
He glanced up then barely, and gave me a short nod before going back to his phone. I moved to the fridge, opening it just to have something to do, pretending to search for water even though I knew exactly where it was.
Neither of us spoke
He finished his coffee, rinsed the mug, then grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair.
Just as he reached the doorway, I spoke. “Thanks for yesterday”
He stopped, one hand on the doorframe. For a second, he didn’t say anything Then he nodded again, this time a bit slower, before walking out.
I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding and leaned against the counter.
My phone buzzed
I picked it up and squinted at the screen. A group text from the girls at the reunion. They wanted to meet up again. Just the girls. No Layla.
My heart lifted a little. That was unexpected. But good.
Maybe not everyone had been fake. Maybe some of them were genuinely reaching out
I stared at the text for a second longer, then smiled, typing out a quick 11l be there.”
This time, I was
was going to enjoy myself and I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin it.
I pulled out one of my favorite outfits, something casual but cute enough to make a statement. A white cropped top with soft cotton sleeves, high- waisted jeans that hugged just right, and the simple nude heels I’d only worn once, I tugged my hair into a loose ponytail, letting a few strands fall near my face, then dabbed on a little lip gloss.
Nothing too extra, just enough.
I grabbed my phone, checked the location again. A cozy lounge downtown. Not too far.
Excitement bubbled in my chest. For once, it felt like I could be around people without being judged, without Layla’s voice constantly stabbing through every laugh
A part of me didn’t want to admit it, but Darren had left something belund, disgust that I had ever chosen someone like him. Someone who could hurt me, he to me, and then beg like it never happened. I should’ve known better, but I didn’t
My jaw clenched as I thought about it. The lies, the manipulation, the drugging. He was going to pay for it. I didn’t care how long it took or how ugly it got, I’d make sure he never hurt another woman again. Not the way lie tried to hurt me. I was going to sue him, drag him to court if I had to
I hated that part of any life so much. That I had even let someone like him into but I was done being a victi
Just as I reached for the doorknol, the door opened from the other side
I bumped imo a firm chest.
My bead snapped up, and there he was, Karl. His brows pulled slightly together as his eyes dropped to my outfit, then slowly back to my face. “Where are you going?” His voice was calm, but something about the way he said it made me pause.
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Chapter 19
1 stepped back half a step, clearing my throat. “I. I got invited out. Just some old classmates. It’s not a big deal.
His eyes didn’t move from mine. The silence stretched for a second too long, his hand still on the doorknob between
I tried to keep my face blank, but I could already feel the heat creeping into
my
checks.
I wasn’t doing anything wrong. This was part of normal life. A life I’d finally started getting a grip on.
“I’ll be back before dinner,” I added, voice a little softer now.
He didn’t say anything right away.
His gaze swept over me again, slower this time, and I couldn’t tell if it was approval or something else entirely clouding his expression. “Well?” I asked, shifting slightly, my hand still on the doorknob
He nodded once. but just as I turned to go, his hand shot out and caught
my
wrist.
I froze.
I looked down at his grip, then up at him, confused. He didn’t say anything at first, just stared like he was waiting for me to read something in his eyes I couldn’t quite catch.
“Considering all that happened,” his voice was low, firm, “are you sure it’s okay to go?”
I blinked. “I’ll be fine,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m not going to let one experience with an asshole tear me down,”
He didn’t move right away. Then slowly, he let go, nodding with a sahall breath like he was convincing himself too.
“Be back early,” he said, his tone back to its usual calm. “Kent can drive you and stay close. Just in case.”
I nodded, shifting again, already turning to leave when he gripped my wrist a second time.
My heart skipped.
“What now?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
He didn’t answer immediately.
Then he looked at me.
“Can I go with you?
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