Kabanata 38
Samantha’s POV “Sometimes, the hardest part of starting over isn’t the fear of falling again — it’s knowing the past is still watching.” It didn’t take long. Barely a week after Gavin and I had taken that small, quiet step back toward each other, the world around us began to shift. At first, it was subtle. Curious looks from our staff. Lingering glances from mutual friends during brunch meetings. Whispers just quiet enough not to catch fully, but loud enough to feel. Then came the more direct ones. “You and Gavin…?” “So, are you two back together?” “Does Cassandra know?” That last one stung the most. I didn’t answer any of them. I just smiled politely, dodging the question with vague words and careful shrugs. But inside, the unease began to build. Not because I was ashamed. B
- Writer
