FALLING FOR MY EX BILLIONAIRE DAD

Chapter9

A part of me desperately wanted to react to Piper's post, whether with a sharp comment or a quick like, while another part urged me to scroll past, pretending I hadn’t seen anything at all. If I liked the picture and Piper sees it, would she pause to reflect on her betrayal? Would it stir something within her, maybe a flicker of regret that would slowly grow, making her question her choices? Maybe she’d begin to despise herself for what she’d done and eventually break things off with Draco. The possibilities flooded my mind, creating a whirlwind of emotions that left me both anxious and paralyzed.

In a moment of impulsive defiance, I double-tapped the image, triggering a love reaction that felt like a betrayal of my own feelings. Panic surged through me, and I quickly exited the app and froze it, my heart racing and palms slick with sweat. I shut my eyes tightly, trying to reclaim my composure amid the chaos.

"The Law..." Jackson's voice broke through my tumultuous thoughts. I looked up to find him standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Hey... how’s it going?" I replied, forcing a smile that barely touched my lips.

"We need your review on one of the clothes. We’ve finished a prototype design and would like you to check it out," he said, his tone professional yet warm.

"Alright, I’ll be with you in the production room in a bit," I said, dismissing him with a wave. Jackson was the youngest on our small team, but he had a natural talent for his work that impressed me daily.

I stood up, shaking my head as if the physical motion could dislodge the storm brewing in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I smoothed my hair back and made my way to the production room.

As I entered, the atmosphere buzzed with creativity and energy, and my team was engrossed in their tasks. It was a stark contrast to the weight pressing down on my heart. Time slipped away, and soon the clock signaled the end of the day. A wave of fatigue washed over me; I felt heavy with exhaustion as if my spirit had been drained by invisible forces. I didn’t want to go home; I didn’t want to face the reality that awaited me outside those walls.

Finally, I gathered my belongings and left, each step to my apartment feeling like a trek through mud. Once inside, I collapsed onto my bed, the familiar comfort now tinged with despair. Life felt unbearable; what had once been a semi-perfect existence now lay in ruins. Part of me still ached for Draco, the ghost of my love haunting me. If he were to return, would I even be able to accept him back? He had shattered my trust, and the burning desire for revenge coursed through my veins like fire. One moment, I craved retribution, and the next, I questioned whether it was truly worth the turmoil it would unleash.

These conflicting emotions weighed heavily on me, filling me with an urge to scream until my voice gave out, to release the pent-up frustration that clawed at my insides. I knew I needed help—perhaps therapy or, at the very least, someone to talk to. But deep down, I acknowledged that I had to seek out support, a guiding hand to help me navigate this stormy emotional sea. The calming deep breaths I had once relied on felt futile now; memories of betrayal kept crashing over me like relentless waves.

I wasn’t a drinker; I had never found solace in drowning my sorrows. The thought flitted across my mind, maybe I could drink myself into oblivion, but I couldn’t bring myself to cross that line. My life was valuable, even amid the chaos. I would be profoundly disappointed in myself if I chose to throw it away like that.

As I lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, a sense of determination began to rise within me.

Tomorrow would be a new day, a chance to reclaim my narrative and find a path toward healing. I had to confront the betrayal, not just for myself but for the life I still wanted to live. I promised myself that I would take that first step, whatever it might entail. There was strength within me, and it was time to unleash it.

As I scanned through my phone in search of a way to alleviate the emotional pain weighing on my heart, I stumbled upon a phrase that resonated deeply: "The more you think it, the more you feel it." This simple insight suggested that if I could shift my focus away from the turmoil, perhaps the hurt would gradually dissipate. Maybe I was the architect of my own suffering; if I could stop dwelling on the drama and heartache, maybe—just maybe—I could find a semblance of peace.

Days slipped by, and finally, I decided it was time for a break. I needed to step away from work and give myself the respite I so desperately craved. One morning, I awoke with an unexpected sense of fulfillment, a sudden burst of energy coursing through me as if the universe had conspired to lift my spirits. Without hesitation, I picked up my phone and called the firm to let them know I’d be absent for three days. They didn’t pry for details, and I was grateful for the reprieve from explanations.

My plan was simple: find a cozy palm beach and unwind. Sure, it would cost a bit, but my peace of mind was worth every penny. After freshening up, I packed a small bag and conducted a quick search for affordable yet charming beach resorts nearby. I settled on a quaint guest house that promised tranquility without the heavy price tag.

Navigating through unfamiliar streets was a bit chaotic, but I finally found my way to the guest house. Upon checking in, I was relieved to see that my room was just right—neither overly luxurious nor too basic. It provided the calm and soothing atmosphere I craved.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow perfect for a day at the beach. Though I had never learned to swim, the water beckoned me, and I loved the idea of wading through the waves or simply sitting back to soak in the view. I left my cozy room and made my way to the beach, stopping to grab a fresh coconut water drink, the sweet taste promising to invigorate my spirit.

As I walked along the shoreline, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the sand enveloped me like the lyrics of my favorite song, soothing my weary soul. I closed my eyes, letting the gentle breeze ripple across my skin, feeling free and alive. I spent several hours at the beach, sipping coconut water and allowing my mind to wander, letting the worries of my life wash away with each wave.

Eventually, exhaustion began to creep in, and I decided it was time for a quick nap. On my way back to my room, a friendly staff member stopped me to share that there would be a party that night at the beach. The invitation lingered in the air, but I hesitated. Social gatherings weren’t my forte; they often invited unnecessary drama, and I was not in the mood for complications. I thanked him politely and retreated to my room, opting to plug in my earbuds and watch a movie on my laptop until sleep overtook me.

The next few days unfolded much like the first: long, meditative walks on the beach followed by quiet evenings watching movies. The rhythmic sound of the waves became my lullaby, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I allowed myself to relax completely.

But eventually, it was time to return home. As I booked my ride, a bittersweet feeling washed over me. I had created a small sanctuary during those three days, and leaving it behind felt like closing a chapter I wasn’t quite ready to end.

Upon returning home, I opened the door and stepped inside, feeling as though I had been away for months. Everything looked familiar yet distant. Rather than immediately contacting the firm or diving back into work, I chose to take the evening for myself. I cleaned the house, did laundry, and organized my space, finding a strange sense of satisfaction in restoring order to my surroundings. When I finally finished, my home sparkled with a fresh cleanliness that matched my newfound clarity.

As I settled onto the couch, I picked up my phone and noticed I had missed a call from an unknown number. My heart raced slightly, who could it be? The question hung in the air, mingling with the remnants of my peaceful retreat and stirring a sense of curiosity within me. Would it be someone from my past? A reminder of the life I was trying to leave behind? Hesitating, I weighed my options and stared some more at the number with the hope that maybe I'd recognize the number but nothing clicked