Chapter 6
That day, I locked myself in my room.
I didn’t cry. I didn’t scream. I simply sat there in silence, letting the weight of everything settle into my bones.]]
Not long after, my parents returned home.
“Florida is thousands of miles away,” my mom said cautiously, watching me like I might shatter at any moment.[]
Behind her, my dad hid behind his newspaper, pretending to read–but I could see the way his eyes flicked over the edge, studying me just as carefully.
I slipped on my coat, brushing off their concern with a lighthearted tone.[]
“But the weather’s great there, right? Isn’t that the dream–to retire and settle down somewhere warm?“]]
I hooked my arm around my mom’s shoulders, squeezing gently.
“The only problem is work. I haven’t found the perfect fit yet, so I’m thinking of opening my own dance studio. It’s a serious decision, but you know me I’ve never been too concerned about chasing the spotlight.“[]
My mother frowned, hesitating. “Chloe, honey, are you sure this is what you want?“]
I glanced at my watch and smiled.
“Yes, Mom. I’ve given it a lot of thought.“]
My voice was calm, steady. I needed them to believe that.
e.“D
“I’m fine. I know what I’m doing, so don’t worry about me.”
I kissed her cheek, a fleeting touch. “You should be more worried about your savings, honestly. Moving is expensive, you know.“[]
Then I grabbed my keys and walked out the door.
Maybe time and distance would dull the pain. Maybe putting thousands of miles between myself and Leo would finally let me breathe.]
I had loved him fiercely, recklessly–too much, probably.
But I hadn’t begged. I hadn’t broken.]]
I had kept my dignity intact.
I thought we would part on neutral terms, go our separate ways with quiet understanding.[]
But I never expected to be locked out.
I stood in front of his apartment, staring at the keypad.[]
I entered the passcode.]]
[Incorrect.]
I tried again.
[Incorrect.
And again.
Incorrect.
A slow, burning rage unfurled in my chest.
I knocked.
65.19
SAM Betrayal With The Neighbor My Childhood Stole His Empire To Claim Me!
Chapter 6
No response.]
For the first time in years, I hesitated before calling him.
The phone rang.
Once. Twice. Three times.]]
Then the line went dead.[]
I tried again.]
The fourth call–straight to voicemail.
The fifth–finally, a response.[]
But it wasn’t a call.[]
A message popped up instead.[]
eo: On a date. Don’t bother me. .
Leo:
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself not to hurl my phone against the wall.[]
“Password.”
I typed the single word, my patience hanging by a thread.[]
Seconds later, the message bubble turned red.]
A bright, mocking exclamation mark.[]
Message failed to send.
I stared at the screen in disbelief.
He had blocked me.]
ne.]
He had actually blocked me.
I pressed my fingers to my temples, rubbing at the headache forming there.[]
I should leave. I should just walk away.
But the more I thought about it, the angrier I got.[]
Fine.
If he wanted to be petty, I could be petty.]
I pulled out my phone again—this time, to call a locksmith.[]
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