Chapter 7
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I couldn’t understand why he was reaching out to me. I’d already stepped aside to let him be with Skylar – shouldn’t he be happy about that?
“Nolan, we’re already broken up,” 1 said, my voice heavy with exhaustion but firm with resolve.
–
On the other end of the line, Nolan’s voice trembled – something rare for him like a leaf caught in
autumn winds, fragile and powerless.
“No! I won’t accept this breakup!” He practically shouted, his desperation and refusal making my heart clench painfully.
“Lily told me where you are. Let me come find you. Whatever misunderstanding there is, we can
work it out.”
His voice carried a hint of pleading, as if everything could start fresh if I’just gave him one more
chance.
“We’ve been together for seven years, Lily. I can’t believe you can just walk away like it meant
nothing.”
But there was no misunderstanding. Letting go of him was never easy for me.
Every time I remembered the days we spent together, my heart felt like it was being torn to shreds. But I refused to be a pawn in his game with Skylar anymore. I wouldn’t let him destroy himself over
this.
“Nolan, I heard everything that night,” I took a deep breath, fighting to keep my voice steady. “I know I’m not the one you want to marry, I left because I don’t want you to live with regret.”
“I genuinely hope you and Skylar find happiness together.” Those words drained every ounce of strength from me, but they needed to be said.
I couldn’t let him keep wavering between Skylar and me. That would only bring pain to everyone
involved.
Nolan panicked, his voice rising unconsciously. “I don’t regret anything!” His words carried a nearly hysterical certainty..
“Lily, you’re the one I want to marry. Yes, I wavered with Skylar, but after you left, I realized I can’t live without you.”
His tone was pure desperation, as if in that moment, he’d finally understood his true feelings. “Please come back, Lily. I promise I’ll keep my distance from her.”
There was something almost pitiful in his words, like he’d give anything just to have me back by hist side.
“I only want you. Just you.” His voice dropped low and intense, like a solemn vow.
The truth was, Nolan knew everything. He knew I loved him and thought I’d never leave him.
He believed that no matter what, I’d always be standing there waiting whenever he looked back.
Then suddenly one day, he turned around and found no one there. That’s when he panicked, feeling. everything spiral out of his control. But it was too late for words now.
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9:13 AM Mon 17 Feb.
07
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during my darkest, most desperate moments.”
ng me anymore.”
I fought to keep my voice steady as I continued, “I don’t blame you for not loving “But I won’t love you anymore either.” The words cut through the air like a knife, severing our last connection. With them came an unexpected sense of liberation, despite the dull ache in my chest. The pain was still there, throbbing beneath the surface, but I knew this was necessary. This was
inevitable.
“I hope we both find peace, but we shouldn’t see each other again.” Without waiting for a response, 1 ended the call and immediately blocked him on everything – social media, messaging apps, email, the works. Seven years of my life archived with a few taps on a screen.
I had spent seven years of my life with Nolan, and I knew my sudden departure would throw him off balance, maybe even wound his pride. But he had Skylar now, and I was certain she would help him
forget about me soon enough.
After relocating abroad, I gave myself three days to fall apart. Just three days. Then I threw myself headlong into work.
I deliberately packed my schedule to the brim. When you’re rushing from one meeting to the next, drowning in deadlines and projects, there’s no time to dwell on what could have been.
Every night, I worked late into the evening, tackling complex assignments until my mind was too exhausted to wander down memory lane. The physical and mental fatigue became my shield against the memories of happier times that threatened to surface.
I kept reminding myself: This is my fresh start. For once in my life, I’m going to live for myself.
