Page 48 of Diverge

My knees feel weak. I feel like I might throw up. I place a hand on the brick wall of the building beside me to steady myself. After I’ve called the ambulance and watched Felix being taken to hospital, I make my way home feeling completely numb. I stand in the shower and let the heat of the water wash away the night that clings to me like a disease.

I guess this was inevitable, right?

Nate leaving me was bound to happen whether it happened now or sometime in the future. I fight back tears as I think about the first time we kissed. I know it hadn’t been long that we had been seeing each other, but it felt like years. He made it feel like I could be whoever I needed to be, do whatever I wanted to do, and now that’s gone.

He’s gone.

How can you lose a part of yourself when that person hadn’t even been a chapter in your life?

I wrap my arms around myself to stop from falling apart as the water washes away my tears. I feel betrayed, lied to, but I know why he did it. I know it was for Noah... there cannot be another reason why he would sacrifice this much of his life, and for that, I can’t fault him.

Chapter Fifteen

Billie

One Month Later.

Piece by piece, I collectedthe broken shards of my heart and managed to get on with my life. Nate was gone. There was nothing I could do about it. It was time to move on. There had been no contact between us for the month since he left, but I did receive a heartfelt email from Noah telling me he was grateful to me and owed me for helping him with his career. I had sent him a congratulatory box of donuts, so he knows I still care for him like a brother. I’m happy he followed his dreams; he deserves every happiness.

Grace’s laughter seeps through from the other room as I lay on the couch, waiting for Finn to return from work. Michael appears in the doorway and rushes into the kitchen with a robe, grabs a glass of water, and rushes back to the other room.

I’m glad they sorted things out. I’ve never seen Grace happier than when she’s with Michael.

Since Nate left, I’ve spent all my time working in the office or working with Finn on his father’s request. I promised Finn I would get it completed within a couple of weeks, and that’s what we did. Together we worked so many late nights I began to lose count, but it’s almost finished. We’re near the end. I explained to Finn what happened that night, and he was the most supportive he’s ever been, giving me space or comfort when I need it. I hear the front door open as Finn enters, removing his blazer and dropping his briefcase to the floor.

“Long day?” I shut the TV off and sit up.

“Too long.” He smiles. “But I guess we get to binge the last season of Peaky Blinders tonight, so I feel better about it already.” He kisses me on the cheek, his stubble tickling me. “I need to shower first.” He removes his shirt, and I see a few scars in the shape of little circles on his back.

“I’ll get the popcorn.” I head to the kitchen and shove a bag of popcorn into the microwave. Once it’s done, I pour it all into a big bowl and take a seat on the lounge, preparing the next episode of the show. After a few minutes, Finn appears in the doorway in nothing but sweats. My palms become clammy at the sight of his bare chest. He sits next to me and places an arm around me. “Press play. I’m dying to know what happens to Tommy Shelby.” We’re engrossed in a few episodes as we polish off the popcorn together.

“Want to stay over, or should I drive you back home?” My car is in for repair because I got into a little accident on my way to work the other day.

“I should go home. I have so much work to finish tomorrow for Fiona.” Gathering my things, I clutch my laptop in my arms as Finn throws on a shirt. He starts the engine of his Mercedes as I practically pretzel myself just to get into the car.

“I’ve never understood why they make these cars so stupidly low,” I grumble as I click on my seat belt. Finn chuckles as he drives down the driveway and out of the estate.

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