Chapter 13
Tanner stood waiting outside my building, a cake box dangling from his hand.[]
I hadn’t told anyone but my mom my address–he must’ve stalked my IG geotags.]
His eyes scanned my face, lingering. “You look thinner.“]
I almost scoffed. If only he knew I’d actually gained weight thanks to Tristan’s cooking.]
“I know you don’t want me here,” he began, voice strained. “But I had to try.“[]
He shoved his phone toward me–a messages thread with Ayla, now blocked.]
ended it with her. For good. Does that change anything?“]]
“No,” I said, tone flat. “It doesn’t. We’re over. Stop coming here.“]
His composure cracked. “Addie, please–don’t shut me out like this.”
He reached for my hand, his grip shaky. “Yell at me. Hit me. I don’t care–just don’t say we’re done.“[]
I snatched my hand back and flung the cake box into a nearby trash bin.
“What’s the point? Where was this energy when it actually mattered?”
My voice turned icy. “You called me a crybaby. A drama queen. But you knew–you knew I was raised being loved. I never cried over anyone until you.”
“You told me you picked Michigan for me–so we could be together. I believed you. I was happy… until I found out it was really for her.”
I shook my head. “You played us both. And I was the idiot who trusted you.‘
Tanner stood frozen, speechless.[]
“That night you ghosted me during training camp? I was worried sick. I fell. I was bleeding. And you?“]
My voice sharpened. “You were holding her.”
“Addie, I’m sorry–I didn’t know you were-“]
“You didn’t want to know,” I cut him off. “You loved having your ‘bro‘ who acted like your girlfriend. No commitment, all the benefits.”
I slapped him–hard.]
He didn’t flinch. Tears welled in his eyes.[]
“You disgust me, Tanner.“]]
Chapter 13
As I turned, he grabbed my wrist, desperate.
“I never liked her! Not like that! The posts–I just wanted to get a reaction out of you!“]
He was fully sobbing now. “We have over ten years together, Addie… I can’t just let you go. I’ll cut off every girl–I swear. Just please… don’t leave.“]]
Just then, Tristan came down, apron on, expression annoyed.[]
“Food’s ready. You planning on eating or what?“]]
I gestured toward the grocery bag. “Take the ribs up first.“[]
He raised a brow. “You serious? I made tiramisu and Korean double–fried chicken. You were begging for this.“[]
Right. I’d almost forgotten.]]
“I’m coming,” I said, pulling my wrist free.]]
“Who the hell is he?” Tanner asked, voice breaking.]
Tristan stepped between us, unimpressed.]
“Dude, wipe your nose. This isn’t The Bachelor.“]]
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.