OM
Chapter 7
The track was insane–twists, turns, pure chaos. Two cars going head–to–head, neither backing d
down
Adele stood in the stands, eyes locked on the screen as the speed numbers kept flickering like crazy.
Byron was gunning it–pedal to the floor, fall throide the entire time. But no matter how hard he pushed, he just couldn’t shake Xavier Flynn. That white c stayed right on his tall, like it wasn’t even trying.||
Fast. Then slow. Then right back up again
Even someone who knew nothing about racing could tell–Xavier was messing with him
Byron, however, didn’t take the bait. Ite doubled down, slamming the accelerator to the Boor as they hit the final ap
And yet—despite giving it everything—he was still trailing for bevind |
Then, something strange happened.
At every curve, Xavier deliberately swung wide, drifting to the outer edge of the track–just enough to close the gap between them.]
Everyone watching knew exactly what that meant. He wasn’t just racing. He was humiliating Byron.
People in the crowed groaned in frustration ||
Adele sighed, picked up her purse, and turised to leave
Thus seconds later, shrill, hysterical screams tore through the grandstand
She froze
Spinning around, she caught sight of tyron’s black race car veering violently into Xavier’s at the final turn–like a predator lunging for its prey.]]
In a split–second reaction, Xavier jerked his wheel, swerving hard to avoid impact–only to lose control and spiral off the track
Byron surged forward and crossed the finish line ||
But the price he paid–He muldn’t slow down in time. His ar slammed into the guardrail with a deafening crash, flipping over before bursting into flames
The front end was mangled beyond recognition. Smoke and fire erupted into the air.
one had expected him to go that far. No one thought byron would risk everything just to win.
Scarlet, who had looked hored moments before, now shrieked and bolted down toward the track Bloodied and barely steady, Byron stumbled out of the wwwchage
When he saw her, his face it up–not with pain, but with victory He pulled her in close and walked with her to Xavier’s car.
Then, raising his arm high means he had won. “You lost. Stay the hell away from Starleit For nine years, he’d always been poised, composed, almost untouchable. This was the first time Adele saw Byron wild and reckless. Also it would also be the last
As cheers thundered around her like crashing waves, she turned and walked away quietly, without regres||
There was long belt to hold onto anymore ||
Byjidnight, Byron still hadn’t returned
seal a best Going on a business trip. Back in a week []
Not long after, Adele received anlier message–this one from Scarlett ||
“Byron says that win was too good to waste–we’re thriving a celebration tonight. He’s taking me for a little victory trip ”
Attached was a group photo Byron sining beside her, wine in hand, smiling ||
Adele replied with a single word
“Well
While he was away, she packed her things. She made a list. Organized her travel plan down in the hour. Then, she booked a one–way flight back to her hometown
The airline called to confirm her details.
She listened carefully, then repeated them alond“Yes, that’s right Flight’s next week…”|||
“A flight? Where are you going?“byron’s voice it in behind her
She turned around, started to see him there. She hadn’t even heard him come in Avoiding his eyes, she ended the call
“Just going home. Thought I’d visit my parents.”
He nodded slowly, not pushing further Instead, he pulled out a sleek gift box.
“You said no more jewelry or handbags, po. I picked out a perfume. Like 117.“]
She opened it, took a polite sniff, then set it aside.]]
“It’s nice. “Her Dat tone maght him off guard. He stepped closer and gently pulled her into his arms.
“You’ve been kind of distant lately. I’ve been gone for days and didn’t hear a word from you. Are you upset about something?“]
Adele didn’t respond right away||
She remembered how she used to text him about the smallest things–funny stories, pretty flowers, dumb gossip.
Three years of daily chatter. Now that it had stopped, of course he noticed.She didn’t yven find it surprising anymore.||
Sull quiet, she didn’t meet his eyes |
Byron, thinking she was still mad, leaned in to kiss her.
She turned away: “I’m on i
on my period“]
He froze, watching her walk into the bathroom. flicker of confusion crossed his face
Hen’t been a while already?
