Page 88 of near

“No, of course not. I don’t expect your forgiveness right away. But I ended things with Esther for you, Gemma. Because being without you made me realize what I really want.” I take her hand in both of mine, running my thumbs over her knuckles. “And that’s you, little gem. Only you.”

Gemma glances back and forth between our hands and my eyes.

“How do I know you mean it this time? That this isn’t another mood of you?”

“You’re going to have to trust me. Please. I know I’ve given you no reason to in the past, but I intend to earn back your faith in me. Whatever it takes.”

“Whatever it takes?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me go.”

Fuck. Everything except that. Why that? You’re killing me, little gem.

How can I make you stay?

She stares at me with defiance.

Whatever it takes.

With reluctance, I let her go.

“Goodbye, Elijah.” She takes her coat, and the only thing I can do is watch her walk away.

Again.

I fall back onto the couch, covering my face with my hands.

That didn’t exactly go as planned.

Leaning forward, I spot her half-eaten plate. How do I stop my little gem from running again? How do I make her stay with me? Forever.

I pull out my phone. Time for Plan B.

Chapter 24

Iswipe the red lipstick across my lips, smack them together, and check my reflection in the mirror.

It’s been a few days since I left his apartment, and I still can’t shake the feeling of disappointment that washed over me as I walked out the door. I made the right choice, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

As soon as this man looks at me or touches me, I’m a complete mess.

Betrayed by the woman he trusted. Would he tell me about it if I asked?

Lil bursts into my room. “You have to see this!”

“What?”

“It’s about Elijah.” She waves her phone, giddy excitement radiating from her.

With reluctance, I sit up from my bed and give her a pointed look.

“Elijah and Esther called off their engagement!” She squeals, shoving the phone in my face.

An article from some gossip rag declares the end of their relationship in bold letters. He told me the truth, and now the whole world knows. He didn’t write or call me today. Not that I would’ve responded, anyway. But still. If this is his way of proving he’d do anything for me, wouldn’t he have reached out by now? Am I being unfair?

“See?” Lil grins. “I told you he’s always wanted you. What do you think he’ll do next? Send you a ring?”

---