Page 103 of Coldhearted King

“Get out, Cole. I don’t want you in my home anymore. I don’t want you in my life. You want us to be over? Then we’re over. So get the hell away from me.”

His eyes flash, but he jerks into motion. I look away as he approaches, my hand tightening on the door handle, waiting for the moment I can slam it behind him and break apart without him witnessing it.

But he doesn’t even give me that. He stops in front of me, and I close my eyes, not wanting to see whatever’s visible in his.

The heat of his palm pressing against the side of my face makes me flinch. My lips part as his thumb brushes my cheek, wiping away the tears I can’t seem to control. I jerk my head away from him, staring at him, shocked that he would touch me like that. As if he has any right. As if tenderness has any place here.

“I’m sorry,” he says, his voice hoarse. And then he’s gone.

I shut the door, locking it as if I actually think he’ll barge back in and tell me it’s all been a terrible mistake. Then I stumble to the living room, curl into a little ball on the couch, and sob.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

DELILAH

Thank god the design phase of the project is almost over. Another two weeks and all the detailed plans will be finalized, then I can get out of here. Not only out of this building, but out of New York. At least temporarily. Possibly permanently.

It’s been two weeks since Cole broke my heart. One week since news of the engagement went public. I haven’t seen him since he left my apartment. Weekly meetings have been taken over by Tate, much to my relief. Having to sit across a table from Cole right now would be unbearable.

The morning after Cole’s visit, I sucked it up and spoke to Paul, notifying him of my intention to take a leave of absence after the final designs have been signed off. As much as I might like to stay through the construction phase, my heart is too sore to allow it. The thought of running into Jessica around the building—or worse, Cole and Jessica together—is too much to bear. Instead, I’m going home to spend some time with Mom and maybe interview with some of the architectural firms in the area.

It’s not that I don’t love New York and living with Alex, but I miss my mom, and now with Paul and Cole serving as constant reminders of my bad decisions, it seems like maybe home is where I should be. I may not see Cole anymore, but this building is still filled with his presence.

“Delilah,” Paul says, appearing next to my desk.

I put down my pen and swivel in my chair to face him. “How can I help you, Paul?”

He frowns at my terse tone, the way he always does when we speak these days. As if he’s surprised I don’t want to talk to him any more than I have to.

“You know how I told you a while ago that the King Group had entered our design concepts into the H+ Design Awards?”

I nod.

“Well, the good news is we’re now finalists, so we’re invited to attend the awards ceremony. It’s the weekend before you go on leave, but you’re expected to attend as one of the design team.”

“I understand,” I say. He turns to walk away, but I stop him. “Will...” I clear my throat. “Will C—Mr. King be there?”

He knows what I’m asking and doesn’t hide the smugness in his expression. “Of course they’ll all be attending. And I’m sure Cole will want to show off his lovely new fiancée too.”

I don’t allow myself to react, knowing that’s what he wants. And when I don’t, he huffs out a breath and leaves. I turn back to my computer, closing my eyes and letting out a sigh. This is going to be a nightmare.

To make myself feel better, I double-check my flights for home, then pull up the email I received three days ago from a senior partner at Abbott-Bennett, one of the most prestigious architecture firms in Raleigh. I skim over it, gnawing on my lip as I read.

Dear Delilah,

Thank you so much for your expression of interest in our firm. I’ve had a look over your credentials and achievements, and I must say that I’m very impressed. Since you’ve said you’ll be in the area in a few weeks’ time, we’d love to set up a time for you to meet myself and the other partners. If this is of interest to you, please reach out to my executive assistant and organize a date and time that suits you. I’ve given her your details and she’ll be waiting for your call.

I’ve been delaying making the call. Not because the firm wouldn’t be wonderful to work for, but because it feels like I’m running away from New York with my tail between my legs. Even though I love the idea of living closer to Mom, I know a part of my heart will always be here in New York.

Or is it with Cole?

I can’t think like that. Cole took my heart and threw it back in my face, choosing instead to be with a woman he told me he has no interest in. He either lied to me back then, or the feelings I imagined he had for me were only in my head. Because there’s no way he could marry Jessica if he feels for me what I feel for him.

Feltfor him.

The pain rushing through me solidifies my intentions. As soon as I get home this evening, I’ll call and arrange an interview time.

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