Chapter 2
My heart felt heavy and raw. Just as I was sinking into that hollow feeling, the delivery guy showed up with the slice of chocolate cake I’d
stress–ordered an hour earlier.
I curled up on the couch, fork in hand, eating straight from the container while warm tears rolled down my cheeks.
It tasted like comfort and heartbreak all at once.
Tanner and I… we grew up together.
Played in the same sprinklers, rode the same school bus, had our first kiss behind the bleachers.
For over a decade, he was my default–my safe place. My favorite person.
But this time was different. This wasn’t some dramatic meltdown he could laugh about later with his friends.
This was real. And I wasn’t going back.
Then my mom called.
“Addie, honey… are you really serious about withdrawing? And going to London?”
“Yeah, Mom. I am.”
She hesitated. “But… what about Tanner? I thought you two were…”
Her voice trailed off, and just like that, my throat tightened all over again.
I took a shaky breath and told her everything. How we’d ended. How he’d blocked me. How his friends talked about me like I was some silly little girl who didn’t know better.
“I’m sorry, Mom…
But I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t shrink myself to fit into his world.
I need to find my own.”
There was a soft pause on the other end.
Then she said, voice warm with pride, “My brave girl. You finally see your worth.”
“All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy. If he can’t see what he has… then it’s his loss.”
“Your offer from King’s College is still valid. Term starts next month. We’ll get your visa rushed–don’t you worry, baby. Mwah ?.”
I smiled through the tears. “Love you, Mom.”
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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.