Chapter 90 Ninety
Izzy’s heels clicked against the marble floor as she left the office building, the afternoon sun warm against her skin. Every step felt deliberate, controlled. She kept her head high, shoulders squared, her mind focused on the simple act of breathing and moving forward.
Behind her, Dominic lingered in the office doorway, watching. His chest rose and fell in slow, measured breaths, but his eyes were sharp, tracking her every movement. He wasn’t used to being ignored. Not by her.
Inside the cab, Izzy tried to settle her racing thoughts. Maya’s words played over and over in her mind. Head high. Don’t chase. Don’t soften. She clenched her fists in her lap, gripping the leather bag tightly. She could feel the ache of missing him, the frustration, but she refused to give in. Not yet.
By the time she reached her apartment, the city’s energy felt distant, almost irrelevant. She fumbled with her keys, hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline and tension of the day. Her bag slipped from her shoulder, tumbling to the floor. She bent down to grab it, but it slipped again. Her chest tightened, frustration and lingering fear building inside her.
Finally, she managed to get her keys out and unlock the door. She pushed inside, dragging herself toward the living room, ready to collapse.
But Maya was already there, lounging on the sofa with a cup of tea, watching her carefully.
Izzy sank beside her, finally letting her body release some of the tension. Tears welled up in her eyes despite her best efforts to stay composed. She buried her face in her hands.
Maya shifted closer, her tone softening. “Oh, dear… You have such a soft heart. You fall too easily. It’s why this is hitting you so hard.”
Izzy shook her head, muffled sobs escaping. “I… I just don’t know what to do, Maya… I feel like I’m losing myself over him. This.. This is hard.”
Maya wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “Shh… It’s okay. I know it's hard and I know you're not weak either. You’ve got to remember… you’re stronger than you think. And you’re not alone. We would get through this phase.”
Izzy let herself cry, the tension of the day finally breaking free. She clung to Maya, letting the tears roll, feeling a strange mix of relief and helplessness.
Maya rubbed her back soothingly. “You’re going to be okay. I promise. We’ll figure this out together. And trust me… Dominic? Forget the asshole. So many men are out there who would love you… You don't need him okay.”
Izzy nodded weakly, finally lifting her face, letting a small shuddering breath escape. She wiped her eyes, trying to regain some composure. “Thanks, Maya… I… I needed that.”
Maya smiled, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. “Good. Now… let’s get you out of these tears and into something that makes you feel like the queen you are. We’ve got plans, and tonight? What would you like to do?
Izzy allowed herself a shaky laugh, feeling a spark of hope ignite amidst the heartache. For the first time that day, she felt like maybe, just maybe, she could take control again.
Izzy went quiet after that. The tears slowed, her breathing evening out as she leaned back against the couch. The room felt calm again, but her heart was still heavy.
Maya stood up and stretched. “Alright. Shower. Pajamas. Sleep. No more thinking tonight.”
Izzy nodded slowly. “Okay.”
She took a long shower, letting the warm water run over her skin, trying to wash away the confusion, the hurt, the longing. It didn’t all go away, but it softened. By the time she crawled into bed, exhaustion pulled her under almost immediately.
Morning came too fast.
Tuesday.
Izzy stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse. She looked… fine. Calm on the outside. But her stomach twisted at the thought of work.
She grabbed her bag and hesitated, staring at her phone on the counter. It was still off. Maya had made sure of that. After a moment, Izzy slipped it into her bag without turning it on.
Cold and distant, she reminded herself. Professional. Nothing more.
The office buzzed like usual when she arrived. Emails. Footsteps. Soft chatter. Everything felt normal… too normal… for how loud her thoughts were.
She sat at her desk and powered on her computer. Minutes passed. Then…
“Izzy.”
Her body stiffened before she even turned.
Dominic stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, jaw tight. He looked tired. Unshaven. His eyes searched her face like he was looking for something familiar.
She met his gaze briefly, then looked back at her screen. “Morning sir.”
Just that. Flat. Polite.
Dominic frowned. “Can we talk?”
She paused, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Then she turned to him, her expression calm but closed. “If it’s work-related, sure.”
That hit him hard.
His lips parted slightly, like he hadn’t expected that answer. “I called you… Two days ago”
“I know,” she said evenly. “Twenty times.”
Silence stretched between them.
“I know have been distant .. I’ve been busy,” he said, softer now.
Izzy nodded once. “So was I.”
She turned back to her screen, ending it right there.
Dominic stood frozen for a moment, frustration flickering across his face. Then he walked away.
Izzy’s chest ached, but she didn’t run after him. She didn’t look back.
Her mind kept racing with Maya's words… she needed to do this for herself
Izzy exhaled slowly.
It hurt… but she was going to choose herself this time.
She deserved to be loved.