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Chapter 43: Assaulted

Author: Yom
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-05 07:59:01
DAMIEN'S POV

The burn in my muscles was a welcome distraction. Another set done, I scanned the familiar space of Spartan Fitness. Where was he? Adrian. He was always here, pushing me, spotting me, making some ridiculous joke about protein shakes. It’s been almost two months since he abandoned our shared gym. Two months since I last saw his goofy grin across the bench press.

I still didn't get it. Eight years, we’d sweated and strained together in this place. I still didn't know the real reason behind his departure. He mumbled something about needing a "change of scenery" and "new challenges," but his eyes told a different story, a story he wasn't ready to share with me. Or maybe he was, and I was just too blind to see it. Bullshit. It felt like a betrayal, a tear in the fabric of our routine.

I swallowed my frustration, I told myself it was a good thing, a chance for us both to grow individually. A noble thought, but it felt hollow.

The shower was a temporary solace. Hot water poun
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