Semua Bab The One He Let Go: Bab 111 - Bab 120

KellyIt had been a week since my real identity leaked. Seven days of waking up to my name being torn apart on the news, seven days of watching protesters chant outside my office, demanding that I step down. And today, the board made it official. "For the sake of our public image, we advise you to resign immediately," one of the executives had said, his voice clipped.It wasn’t a request. I sat in my living room, staring at my untouched cup of tea, trying to convince myself that this was just another storm I’d weather. But the truth was, this time felt different. Then came the knock on my door. I already knew who it was. When I opened it, Susan stood there, her face tight with worry. "Kelly….." She stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. I shut the door behind her. "You look like you’re about to scold me.""I should," she snapped. "Why didn’t you tell me Aiden was kidnapped?"I exhaled. "Susan—""No, Kelly. Don’t apologize and brush this off," she interrupt

AdrianI paced the room, the picture still clutched in my hand. My fingers tightened around it as the weight of my thoughts pressed down on me. Should I tell Kelly now? Would revealing this earn back her trust, or would it only push her further away? The thought settled deep, like a splinter beneath my skin. Then my phone vibrated on the office table, making me flinch. I exhaled sharply when I saw the name flashing on the screen. Olivia.I had been avoiding her calls for a while now, and honestly, I didn’t feel guilty. Not after the mess she caused between me and Kelly. Even if I knew her intentions had been to help me, but the damage had already been done. Still, I picked up. "Adrian, where the hell have you been?" Olivia’s voice was sharp, laced with irritation. "Busy," I muttered. "Well, get un-busy," she snapped. "I’m at the family house. Mom and Dad want to see you. Now."My brows furrowed. "Why?" "No idea," she said, her tone too casual. "But judging by Mom’s m

KellyI sat by the passenger seat, it wasn’t uncomfortable sitting right beside Adrain but it was suffocating, especially with everything that had happened between us, I wasn’t going to forgive him that easily.I curled my fingers into my lap, nails pressing into my palms as I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. The confrontation with Adrian’s parents still rang in my head, every harsh accusation, every judgmental glare, every word that made me feel like I was nothing. But that wasn’t what had left me speechless. It was Adrian standing up for me. He choose me over his family without hesitation. Even when his mother called me a witch, even when his father demanded he open his eyes to who I really was, even when they all but told him to choose between them and me, he chose me. I stole a glance at him. His jaw was tight, his hands gripping the steering wheel so hard. He was angry. At them. At the situation. At me? I swallowed hard and looked away. This was

KellyI barely had time to react before Kate stepped into my path, her face twisted in frustration. I had just walked out of the café, Adrian beside me, when she appeared out of nowhere, blocking my way. “Where is he?” she demanded. I sighed, already exhausted. “Move, Kate.” “Not until you tell me where Dad is,” she snapped. “Where are you keeping him?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “Keeping him? Like he’s some kind of hostage?” “You know exactly what I mean,” she bit out. “You moved him. I went to the hospital, and they said he wasn’t there anymore.” I crossed my arms. “And that’s suddenly my problem?” Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t piss me off, Kelly.” “Don’t do what?” I challenged her. “Take care of the man you conveniently forgot about? The man you refused to help when he needed you the most?” She flinched, but her pride wouldn’t let her back down. “I had my reasons.” “Right.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You always have your reasons, don’t you, Kate? You had your

KellyThe house was quiet that night. Adrian was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone, completely unaware of the storm inside me. For weeks, I had fought against this, against my feelings.Even when he proved himself. Even when he cut off his family. Even when he stood beside me, time and time again. I still resisted. But tonight, I was tired. Tired of pretending I didn’t feel the way I did. Tired of keeping him at arm’s length when all I wanted was to close the distance. I took a breath and walked toward him. He didn’t see me at first, not until I was close enough to touch. And then, before I could second-guess myself, I wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressing my cheek against his back. He stiffened. “Kelly?” His voice was careful, unsure. I squeezed him tighter, inhaling his scent, feeling the solid warmth of him beneath my touch. “I’m tired,” I whispered. He turned slightly, just enough to glance at me over his sho