Self

Chapter 53

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Yale would never go down without a fight. He swung back at Wade with a vengeance.

“You think you can hit me? What makes you so special? Yale spat out the words as he swung his fists. Back when she and I were all wrapped up in each other you were nowhere to be seen-

Wade caught the punch with ease. Unlike Yale’s wild rage, Wade was the picture of calm, his head clear- and he had an icy look in his eyes.

“And you? What’s your deal? A clingy ex who can’t let go, or just a creep?”

Wade’s words cut deep, hitting Yale right where it hurt.

“That’s it! I’m going to-“Yale tried to yank his fist back with all his might.

However, Wade’s hold was like iron, unyielding.

“Stop!”

Yara had finally come to her senses. She stood up, her hands shaking as she clutched the Wade had given her, not even glancing at Yale.

She faced Wade, her head down. “Professor Shelton, I’m sorry you had to witness this mess.

Wade’s brow furrowed. “Should I call the cops?”

Yara paused, a long silence hanging between them. “No. Let’s go.”

“Alright.” Wade nodded, respecting her decision, steering clear of the messy heartache. “These a

are my books. I… I just can’t right now. Can you help me with them? Thanks.”

Wade scooped up the heavy sack from the floor with one hand and helped Yara out the door.

e coat

Yale was left standing there, fuming, as he watched them walk away. In a burst of anger, he kicked a potted plant, sending it crashing to the floor.

As they drove away, Yara watched the villa shrink in the rearview mirror. Six years had passed–a blink and a lifetime all at once.

She had moved in with dreams of what was to come, decorating their home and tending the garden together.

She never imagined leaving like that.

At that moment, that villa and those memories were all part of a past that had nothing to do with her

anymore.

Yara rolled the window down, letting the wind whip her hair into a wild dance. She slumped back, bone- weary, and shut her eyes in the quiet comfort of the car seat.

Wade kept to himself, stealing glances in the rearview mirror at Yara, who had dozed off.

Deciding it was best to let her sleep, he pulled over near Bellmere University and gazed out the window, lost in thought.

Yara’s sleep was fitful; she was running on empty, but even a brief moment of rest felt like a balm to her weary soul.

Sensing Wade’s silent care, she opened her eyes and gave him a look filled with mixed feelings. “Thanks, you know, for earlier. You came through for me again.”

ugh for me as

Wade shrugged it off. “No big deal.”

2/2

Yara’s smile hinted at a deeper gratitude. Time and again, no matter what mess she was in, he never poked around her secrets, preserving her pride.

Suddenly, a quiet rumble came from her stomach, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had not eaten since morning, and the hunger pangs hit her out of nowhere.

Wade caught on immediately despite her best efforts to hide it. “Bet it’s been ages since you went to

Bellmere University’s cafeteria, huh? Do you want to relive some memories?”

Yara blinked in surprise. Fifteen minutes later, they were strolling toward the iconic cafeteria.

Chapter 54