A Love That Haunts and a Future That Calls(Chapter 6)
1002 Words
Naomi woke up to the soft glow of early morning seeping through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of Adrian’s penthouse.
Her body felt warm, tangled in crisp white sheets that smelled like him—sandalwood, expensive cologne, and something distinctly Adrian.
For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
But safety didn’t mean certainty.
As she turned over, her gaze landed on Adrian. He was already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching her with an unreadable expression.
“Morning,” he murmured.
Naomi swallowed, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest. “Morning.”
He reached out, brushing a stray curl from her face. “You left the last time. You’re still here now.”
Her stomach tightened.
Adrian had never pressured her. Never demanded anything from her. But there was an unspoken question in his words.
Was she ready?
Was this real?
“I don’t want to run anymore,” she admitted, voice soft. “But I’m still figuring things out.”
Adrian studied her, his sharp gaze never missing a thing. “I can wait, Naomi. But I won’t wait forever.”
Something inside her stirred.
Before she could respond, Adrian’s phone buzzed on the nightstand.
She watched as he sighed, running a hand through his hair before checking the screen. His jaw tightened.
“What is it?” she asked.
His lips pressed into a thin line. “Nothing you need to worry about.”
But she could tell it was a lie.
Something was wrong.
---
The Past Still Had Claws
Later that afternoon, Naomi found herself back at the café, her fingers curling around a steaming cup of coffee, replaying the events of last night.
She had let herself fall.
Had let herself be vulnerable.
And she didn’t regret it.
But just as she was about to take a sip, the last person she wanted to see slid into the seat across from her.
Jordan.
Naomi stiffened immediately. “What the hell are you doing here?”
He leaned forward, looking worn down—his shirt slightly wrinkled, dark circles under his eyes. “We need to talk.”
She set her cup down slowly. “There’s nothing left to say.”
Jordan let out a humorless laugh. “Is that right?” He exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I never thought I’d see the day where you chose someone else over me.”
Naomi’s heart twisted. He still didn’t get it.
“This isn’t about choosing someone over you, Jordan. This is about me choosing myself for once.”
His eyes darkened. “So that’s it? You think you’ll be happier with him?”
“Yes.”
The word came out without hesitation.
And she saw the exact moment it hit him.
For so long, Jordan had believed she’d always be there. That she would always love him, no matter what he did.
But he had been wrong.
Jordan leaned back, his expression unreadable. “You don’t even know him, Naomi.”
She crossed her arms. “And you think I don’t know you?”
His jaw tightened.
Naomi sighed, exhaustion creeping into her bones. “Why are you really here, Jordan?”
A long silence stretched between them.
And then, he dropped the bombshell.
“I didn’t just cheat on you.” His voice was low, rough. “I was engaged.”
The world tilted.
Naomi felt like she had been punched in the gut.
“What?”
Jordan swallowed. “Before you. Before we ever got serious. I had someone else. And I never told you.”
Her breath came fast, shallow. “You—”
She couldn’t even finish.
All these months. All that pain. And she hadn’t even known the full truth.
Jordan ran a hand over his face. “I didn’t tell you because… I was selfish. I wanted you without the consequences. But she came back, Naomi. She’s the reason I—”
“Cheated,” Naomi finished coldly.
Jordan winced. “I was a coward. And now… I might lose everything.”
Naomi’s blood ran cold. “What are you saying?”
Jordan looked at her, something broken in his eyes.
“I need your help.”
---
A Future That Was Uncertain
Naomi sat in Adrian’s office that evening, her mind still reeling from Jordan’s confession.
She hadn’t agreed to help him. But she hadn’t said no either.
And that terrified her.
“You’re distracted,” Adrian’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
She looked up to find him watching her from across his desk.
Naomi bit her lip. “Jordan came to see me.”
Adrian’s expression didn’t change, but she felt the shift in the air.
“What did he want?”
She hesitated. “Help.”
Adrian leaned back in his chair, assessing her carefully. “And?”
Naomi exhaled. “And I don’t know what to do.”
For a long moment, Adrian didn’t say anything.
Then, slowly, he stood, walking around his desk until he was in front of her.
“You don’t owe him anything, Naomi.”
She swallowed. “I know.”
He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers were warm, his touch gentle.
“But if you choose to get involved,” Adrian murmured, “just know that I’m not the kind of man who shares.”
Naomi’s breath hitched.
There was a dark, possessive edge to his voice that sent a shiver through her.
She looked up at him, her pulse racing. “What are you saying?”
Adrian leaned down, his lips just inches from hers. “I’m saying, Naomi, that if you let me… I’ll make sure you never have a reason to doubt what we have.”
Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs.
She had fallen into Adrian’s arms once.
But was she ready to let him catch her forever?
The choice was hers.
But this time, there would be no turning back.
- Writer
