Chapter 7

Gabriella’s POV

Between research projects and classes, I barely had time for social media, much less news from home. For months, I lived in the lab, surviving on coffee and takeout. The academic atmosphere at my new university was exactly what I needed; I clicked instantly with the other international students.

After years of making Kayden the center of my universe, it felt amazing to finally focus on my own goals. My passion for restana surprised me, and suddenly life held meaning beyond unrequited love. I never went home for holidays. My roommates often tried to persuade me to join their trips, but I always had an excuse ready.

I'd finally broken free and wasn't about to look back. I'd blocked Kayden's number, and he seemed content to let me disappear. The quiet life suited me. By now, he must be busy playing the role of a father, too engrossed in his perfect family to think about me.

Then came a text from an unknown number:

“Got divorced.”

I blinked at my phone, thinking someone had the wrong number. Another message popped up: “Charlotte’s gone. It’s over.”

My stomach lurched. Kayden. But how? This time he had everything—his dream girl, their baby. What happened?

When I didn’t respond, he called.

“Gabby, listen—it’s done. Charlotte’s out of the picture. She’s keeping the child. I’m cutting all ties.” He continued, "I get it now; you ran because I married her. But that’s over. Come back. What do you say?”

I massaged my temples, fighting a stress headache.

“Look, Kayden, you’ve got this all wrong. What I felt was just… confused adolescent feelings. Yes, I was a messed-up teenager. That’s on me.”

“Truth is, I was just a kid with abandonment issues who got too attached. I’m sorry for the drama I caused.”

“You wanted space, and I gave it to you. So please, just stop. I’ll pay you back for everything once I’m working.”

The line went dead. I thought that was it, that he’d finally gotten the message.

Then my friend texted that she’d spotted him at the airport, heading my way.