Chapter 17
Loretta’s brisk politeness had a chilling effect on the hope quietly burning in Xavier’s heart, snuffing it out bit by bit.
He studied her intently, as if searching for some trace of the girl he used to know–a familiar look, a flicker of warmth. But the more he looked, the more he realized all he could see was the frosty mask she wore, cool and unyielding.
His hands, clasped tightly together, grew even more tense. He spoke with forced calm, his voice low and measured.
“So what if things are as they are? And if they aren’t? Loretta, do we really need to draw such clear lines between us?”
He already knew what her answer would be.N
Loretta picked up her coffee, taking a delicate sip. Her reply was calm and composed.
“Mr. Kingsley and I have a professional relationship–he’s an investor, I’m a musician. When it comes to certain things, it’s better to be clear, so there are no misunderstandings.“W
“That’s all it is?“N
He caught the flash of disappointment in his eyes, but Loretta’s tone didn’t waver.”
“That’s all.“M
Before coming here, Xavier had imagined a thousand ways this reunion might go. Maybe there would be silence. Maybe there’d be tears. Maybe she’d put on a brave face and pretend nothing happened.
What he hadn’t expected was this cold, businesslike distance.
Was he really the only one still haunted by the past, unable to let go?
Desperate to prove otherwise, Xavier reached for a shared memory, hoping for a sign.
“But we were together for so long. Don’t you remember?“}]
“It’s been three years since we broke up, Xavier. Not a lifetime, but long enough to start over. There’s no need to keep looking back–especially since those memories weren’t exactly happy ones.”
Each word landed like a needle in Xavier’s chest.
A dull ache spread through him, making it impossible to hide the pain on his face. The room grew heavy and still, his unsteady breathing the only sound in the silence.N
At last, after what felt like ages, Loretta heard his strained, husky apology.
“I’m sorry, Loretta. I know I hurt you. I was wrong, and I’m sorry I let you down.”
But the truth was, Loretta had already let go of all that.M
When you’re young, who hasn’t thrown caution to the wind and loved recklessly? She’d just had the misfortune of falling for the wrong person, that’s all.M
She could accept that. Besides, she had the courage to start again.”
So now, hearing his belated regret, she felt nothing at all.
“It’s all in the past. There’s no need to talk about it anymore.“N
With that, Loretta stood up and walked out of the conference room.§
And just like that, their unexpected reunion came to an abrupt end.”
Outside, Dailey had been waiting for ages. The moment he saw her, he hurried over, grinning from ear to ear.!
“So, Loretta, you and Mr. Kingsley are old friends, huh? Did you two have a good catch–up?“}
Loretta knew Dailey’s schemes all too well. She chose her words carefully.§
“He’s my friend’s brother. We’ve met a few times. The conversation was fine, but we’re not exactly close.“N Dailey, never one to be fooled, just chuckled knowingly.”
“Come on, don’t give me that. If you two were just acquaintances, how did a newcomer like you land such a coveted spot? C’mon, give me the inside scoop. Do you have some connections in the business? If so, maybe I can pull a few strings with the higher–ups!“%
“If I really had connections, do you think I’d still be slogging away under you all these years? Dailey, don’t go getting any funny ideas. Let’s just focus on singing and training like everyone else.“N
As she spoke, Loretta ushered him into the recording studio, nudging him along so they could get started on today’s work. They stayed busy until evening, finally wrapping up the recording of the new song.
After work, Loretta stretched and left the company building. As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Genevieve waving to her from
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Chapter 17
across the street.
Although they’d met up the day Loretta returned home, the last couple of weeks had been a blur of work and moving. They’d only managed to keep in touch by text.N
With a day off tomorrow, the two friends decided to make the most of it. They grabbed dinner at their favorite restaurant, then caught a late movie.
When they finally left the theater, it was already eleven o’clock. Loretta brought Genevieve back to her new place.
The moment they walked in, Genevieve saw the brand–new slippers, pajamas, and toiletries Loretta had set out for her. She was thrilled beyond words.
They curled up together on the couch, snacks in hand, watching TV and gossiping late into the night.”
It was just like old times–school days all over again. Both of them felt a wave of nostalgia, grateful to have found their way back to each other.N
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