Page 140 of Wreckage

I didn’t take my eyes off her until she was out of sight. Then, before I even thought about it, I sent her a text that didn’t go to our group chat. It went directly to her.

Adrian: Want to have dinner tonight at my place? I’ll cook.

My phone vibrated almost immediately.

Elena:It’s a date. I’ll be there at 7. :)

I nearly dropped my phone.

Adrian: A date. I can’t wait.

Then, I ran.

I had to get home.

I rummaged through the kitchen,pulling out ingredients and double-checking everything.

Lasagna.

She loved lasagna. I remembered that from our late-night talks on the plane.

I needed this to be perfect. No burning or fucking it up.

I was pouring sauce into a pan when Troy walked in.

He raised a brow. "What are you doing?"

I kept stirring. "Having company over."

Troy was quiet for a second. Then, carefully, he asked, "You got a date?"

I hesitated. I hated lying to him. But if Elena wasn’t ready, if she didn’t want us—I couldn’t put Troy through that heartbreak again.

So I nodded slowly. "Yeah."

Troy’s face fell. "You’re moving on?" he asked, his voice sounding hurt.

I put the spoon down. "I’m not giving up on Elena," I said softly.

Troy stared at me, searching my face, looking for something. Then, finally, he sighed and walked off, slamming his bedroom door shut.

Later, he returned, dressed in a clean button-up, ready to go out.

I glanced up. "Have fun."

Troy grunted, adjusting his watch. "You too," he said stiffly.

I took a slow breath. "Troy… I’m not doing this to hurt you."

He stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

I clenched my jaw, shutting my eyes for a moment. I exhaled, rubbing the back of my neck.

This wasn’t just for me. This was for us.

I silently prayed as I slid the lasagna into the oven.

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