Page 36 of If He Hadn't Cheated
I don’t answer.
He crouches in front of me like he knows exactly what’s wrong.
“Was it Sebastian?”
I nod. He doesn’t ask what was said. Just sits beside me.
“He showed up at work. I feel like I’m unraveling,” I whisper.
“You’re not.”
“I wanted to hit him. I think.”
“You didn’t.”
“I wanted to cry when I left work but not because I want him or still love him.”
“You’re allowed.”
We sit in silence.
Then I say, “He said I’d come back.” I look up. “I don’t want him to because I don’t want Sebastian.”
I want you but I don’t say the words. For so long, I didn’t realize I was trying to hate the one person who showed up for me when I needed
“Do you really?”
“No.”
“Good.”
We sit until the sky darkens. And for the first time, I believe I can better. I don’t have to carry the weight of Sebastian’s betrayal anymore. Because I’m me and I deserve better.
15
Istare at my reflection in the elevator doors as we rise to the fifteenth floor, my pulse thudding in my throat. I’ve worn this blazer before—safe, navy, clean lines—but somehow it feels different today. Like it belongs to someone steadier. Someone starting over.
Knox’s company lobby opens up before me with quiet opulence—polished floors, gold accents, a massive window spilling morning light over the city. It smells faintly of citrus and cedar, expensive but not pretentious. The air here feels intentional. Controlled.
Like him.
I’m early. Too early. I try not to fidget as the receptionist calls up, letting him know I’m here. My stomach does a ridiculous flip when she says his name.
“Mr. Hale will be right out.”
I force a steady breath, but it doesn’t help. The second he steps through the frosted glass doors, his presence pushes the world back a little.
He’s in a dark suit that fits him indecently well, his tie a deep, sharp slate. His jaw is clean-shaven today, making him look sharper. Younger. More dangerous.
His eyes land on me, and I swear the ground tilts. One breath. Two. Then that small, deliberate smile curves his mouth.
“Lana.”
Just my name and warmth spreads through me.
“Ready for your first day?” he asks.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I hope my voice sounds steadier than I feel.
