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Chapter 11
The sound of my mother’s voice came through the phone, her tone calm but concerned. “Hannah, I wanted to update you about Oliver,” she said.
I sighed, leaning back on the couch. “What about him?”
“He’s still in the hospital,” she replied softly. “He’s been calling me, asking about you. I didn’t tell him anything, of course, but… he’s persistent. He keeps asking for you.”
I shook my head, biting back the annoyance rising in my chest. “He can keep asking, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve moved on.”
My mother paused for a moment before continuing. “And Naomi… well, she’s not doing well either.”
That caught my attention. “What do you mean?”
“She’s been seeing doctors. After what happened, it’s like she’s lost her mind. They say she’s become paranoid and withdrawn–she barely leaves her house,” my mother explained.
I nodded slowly, processing the news. Naomi, the woman who once thought she had everything, was now a shadow of her former self. Strangely, I didn’t feel satisfaction or triumph. All I felt was pity.
“They’re both just… broken,” my mother added, her voice trailing off.
“Good,” I said firmly. “But I don’t care anymore, Mom. I don’t want to think about them. I just want peace.”
“I understand,” she replied. “You deserve peace after everything you’ve been through. But… what about Scott? How’s he doing?”
I felt my cheeks flush instantly, and I couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto my lips. “Scott?”
“Yes, Scott,” my mom said with a teasing tone. “I can hear it in your voice, Hannah. You care about him, don’t you?”
I hesitated, my mind replaying all the moments we’d shared recently–the way he made me laugh when I least expected it, the way he cared for me when I was sick, the way he always seemed to know exactly what I needed.
“He’s…” I started, my voice faltering. “He’s amazing, Mom. He’s patient and kind. He’s always there when I need him, even when I try to push him away. I don’t know how he does. it.”
“And how do you feel about him?” she asked gently.
I bit my lip, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. “I think I’m falling in love again,” I admitted quietly, the confession surprising even me. “But I’m scared, Mom. After everything with Oliver, I don’t know if I can trust myself to love someone again.” “Hannah,” she said softly, “it’s okay to be scared. But you deserve to be happy. And from what you’ve told me about Scott, it sounds like he makes you happy.”
He left me hanginn so I disappear forewar
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everything with Oliver, I don’t know if I can trust myself to love someone again.” “Hannah,” she said softly, “it’s okay to be scared. But you deserve to be happy. And from what you’ve told me about Scott, it sounds like he makes you happy.”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “He does,” I whispered.
We talked a little longer before I finally said goodbye and hung up. As I set the phone. down, I froze.
Scott was standing in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame with a smirk on his face.
“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, my voice rising in panic as my cheeks turned crimson.
“Long enough,” he said, his grin widening. “So… you think you’re falling in love with me, huh?”
My first instinct was to run, but before I could move, Scott stepped into the room and blocked my path.
“Do you really think you can run from me after that confession?” he teased, his voice playful.
“Unfair!” I shot back, crossing my arms. “You were eavesdropping!”
Scott chuckled. “What’s unfair is you hiding your feelings from me. I mean, here I am, making you sandwiches, taking care of you, planning your dates…”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you love it,” he replied, stepping closer.
I sighed, shaking my head. “Fine. Maybe we can try. But don’t get your hopes up, Scott. I
still need time. I still need to heal.”
His expression softened, the teasing gone from his voice. “Take all the time you need,” he said gently. “I’m not going anywhere.”
His words settled something inside me, easing a part of the fear I’d been holding onto.
“But,” he continued, the grin returning to his face, “since you’ve agreed to ‘try,” I’ve already planned our first official date.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, have you?”
“Yep. And I even bought you a dress for it,” he said, pulling a sleek black garment bag from
behind the couch.
“You did not,” I said, laughing in disbelief.
“Oh, I did,” he said, handing it to me. “Wear this. Trust me, you’ll love it.”
I rolled my eyes but took the bag. “This better be worth it.”
Later that evening, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of the dress. It was stunning–elegant yet simple, with a flattering cut that made me feel beautiful.
Scott was waiting for me in the living room, dressed in a sharp suit. When I stepped out,
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Scott was waiting for me in the living room, dressed in a sharp suit. When I stepped out, his jaw dropped
“You look amazing” he said, his voice low
“Thanks” I replied, feeling a little shy under his gaze.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering me his arm.
We arrived at a luxurious rooftop restaurant, the city lights twinkling below us. The atmosphere was perfect–romantic yet relaxed, with soft music playing in the background. “Okay,” I admitted as we sat down. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“I told you it’d be worth it,” Scott said with a wink.
As we laughed and talked, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time–contentment. For the first time in years, I wasn’t thinking about Oliver or Naomi or the pain they had caused me. I was just… happy.
But that happiness was unknowingly being broadcast.
Across the room, an influencer was live–streaming their night at the restaurant. In the background of the video, Scott and I could be seen laughing, smiling, completely lost in each other.
Back in the city, Oliver’s phone buzzed on the table beside his hospital bed. One of his friends had sent him a link to the livestream.
“Check this out,” the message read.
Oliver clicked on it, his breath catching as the video played. There we were–me and Scott -laughing, smiling, and looking happier than I’d ever been with him.
His chest tightened as he stared at the screen, unable to tear his eyes away.
