Chapter 11
In just a few days, Tanner had become completely unrecognizable.[]
He looked utterly wrecked–a cigarette dangling between his fingers, eyes bloodshot and shadowed like he hadn’t slept in days.]]
“So what’s this, Addie? What’s really going on?“]]
He finally noticed the daylight behind me–the kind of soft, grey London light that Michigan never gets. The reality seemed to hit him all at once.
“Where are you?“]]
I didn’t flinch.]
“Tanner, I told you. We’re broken up. I don’t need to update my ex on my life. And leave my mother out of this.“[]
“Ex?” He let out a wet, broken laugh around the cigarette.]
Then his voice cracked.]]
“All this… over a fucking Gatorade? You blew up our entire relationship… over a drink?“[]
“Yeah. So?“]
“God… Jesus Christ,” he mumbled, wiping his face with the back of his hand. “I don’t… I don’t even get you.“[]
“You followed me to Michigan. You turned down Oxford for me. And now you drop out, leave the country–without a word–because I handed a drink to someone else?“[]
He was fully crying now. “I don’t accept this, Addie. You don’t get to just quit us.‘
“You agreed to the breakup.“]
“That wasn’t real! You were pissed–I thought you needed space! I was waiting for you to come back!“]
“What you thought doesn’t matter,” I said, voice cold. “You got sick of my tears. Well, I got sick of crying over you. We’re done.“[]
He stared, genuinely lost. “When did I ever say I was sick of you crying?“]
“You really don’t remember?“]]
My smile was thin. “That night at the bar with Ayla… her ‘accidental‘ video call. I heard you, Tanner.“[]
I held his red–rimmed eyes. “All the crying… it’s exhausting. Ring any bells?”
He went pale.[]
“I was just–frustrated! I didn’t mean it! If I hated it, why did I always come back? Why did I put up with every fight? I loved us.“]
Chapter 11
Tears streaked down his stubbled face. “When you didn’t text for two weeks, it tore me apart. I waited every day… Why would you think I didn’t want you?“]]
“When I realized you weren’t back at school…” His breath hitched. “I lost it, Addie. I called everyone. I thought something happened to you. I never thought you’d just… leave me.‘
:“0
His voice dropped to a raw whisper. “How could you be this cold?“]
I turned away, done.]
“You finished? Go talk to your ‘best friend‘ if you’re lonely. I’m going to eat.“[]
He laughed bitterly.
“You’re still hung up on Ayla… which means you still care. Don’t you.“]]
Silence.[]
“Don’t you dare block me again. That’s my last line.“[]
His voice was rough, desperate. “Don’t make me fly to the UK and find
you,
Absolutely delusional.[]
I ended the call.]
)(0)
Addie.“]
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.