Chapter 10
I felt incredible to leave than I no longer had to wait for him to go to bed and could finally enjoy full nights of restful sleep.
My spirits lifted, and my energy returned, making me look like a completely different person.
My mom observed my transformation with satisfaction, nodding approvingly.
“Not bad. Finally, my daughter looks like herself again after leaving that scumbag
“I told you back then he wasnt reliable, which is why I never approved of your relationship.”
gyes reddened as I reached out to hug her.
Moonsorry. I didn’t see him for who he really was. From now on. I listen to you.”
“If you mean that, then follow my advice and go on a blind date. You already know the guy”
Ablind date? frowned, but I couldn’t take back my words after saying I’d listen to her.
Reluctantly, I followed her to the meeting spot, only to find myself face–to–face with him.
When Evan Sanders saw me, he didn’t look surprised–it was clear he had known I would be his date.
I felt mortified. Just freshly divorced and now dragged to a blind date, only to find it was with my first love.
My mom chatted warmly with him, occasionally throwing me pointed glances.
“Evan, it’s been so long since you two last met! What have you been up to lately?”
1 squirmed with embarrassment, wishing I could disappear.
Evan clearly amused by my discomfort, suppressed a laugh and coughed lightly.
“Mrs Taylor, I’ve just returned to the country. I’m currently working in digital media
The two of them chatted like old friends, with my mom growing more and more impressed by him.
She looked at him like he was already her ideal son–in-law, then gave me a disapproving glare, silently urging me to behave.
I kept my head down, trying to shrink into invisibility, untill suddenly heard her bring up my situation.
“You know Claire just got divorced, right? If that bothers you, we can end this right here.”
Evan glanced at me, then responded sincerely,
“Mrs. Taylor, Ed be lying if I said I wasn’t affected by it. I know she’s been through a lot in her previous relationship, and I only regret not being there
for her sooner.”
“Please give me a chance. I promise I treat her well. You can count on me.”
I looked up sharply, meeting Evan’s gaze. Has eyes held guilt, affection, and, most of all, tenderness
My heart, which I thought had turned to stone, rippled with emotion.
Evan and I had grown up together. We were high school sweethearts, unable to resist taking our first steps into love.
Ithought he would be my forever, but his family faced a sudden crisis, forcing them to move abroad.
He left with only a hurried goodbye, telling me not to wait for him.
I couldn’t even get a promise from him. So now, what did he mean by this?
If he had feelings for me all along, why hadn’t he contacted me over the years? Why now?
Love, a Hollow Promise
Chapter 10
Sensing pay doubts, Evan explanted.
“At the time, my family was going through so much. I didn’t want to drag you down. When I finally got everything sorted and came back to find you, you were already with someone else. I thought you’d moved on, so I stayed away.”
It wasn’t until recently, when I heard from an old classmate about your divorce, that I realized you hadn’t been doing well. That’s when I decided to come back and find you.”
As he spoke, he suddenly stood and pulled out a large bouquet of baby’s breath, dropping to one knee.
“Can you forgive me? I’ve never let go of you all these years. I’ve never dated anyone else. It’s always been you. Can we start over?”
He remembered that baby’s breath was my favorite. His sincerity was evident, hut…
hook my head and gently rejected him
“Tim sorry. Right now, I’m not ready for a relationship. I only came here because my mom dragged me along. I’m really sorry.”
The light in his eyes dimmed, but he quickly forced a smile.
“It’s okay. I was too eager. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
