40 Chapter 40–Comfort Food and Midnight Tears
40 Chapter 40 – Comfort Food and Midnight Tears.
“You’re right. It’s better if he doesn’t see me like this anyway. Let me take a quick shower first, then we can talk properly.”
“Chl, only Evelyn stood by me today. You can’t imagine how cold and distant Damian was. It was like looking at a complete stranger. Fresh tears threatened as I
remembered the betrayal in his eyes.
“Chloe, he’s never going to regret this! He’s already made up his mind that I’m guilty. He won’t bother investigating to find the real culprit.” The hopelessness in my voice made even me cringe.
I dragged myself to the bathroom and stepped under the scalding spray, hoping the hot water could wash away the horror of this day. But while it cleansed my body, my soul remained raw and wounded. When I emerged, Chl had transformed my bedroom into a recovery station complete with a dinner tray and an enormous container of ice cream flanked by two spoons.
Chapter 40 – Comfort Food and Midnight Tears
The sound of hushed voices pulled me from the darkness of sleep. I had collapsed into bed hours ago, emotionally drained, and missed Miranda’s arrival with Leo entirely. When I finally opened my eyes, only one soft lamp illuminated the room, and Chl sat perched on the edge of my bed like a guardian angel, watching me with concern etched across her features.
I forced myself to eat, knowing I couldn’t afford to fall apart completely. Leo needed me strong, and I had failed him today by letting Liam past my carefully constructed walls. After choking down enough dinner to satisfy Chl, she cracked open the ice cream, and I began unraveling the entire nightmare while we alternated spoonfuls.
Hazel’s POV
I think I should call my parents and tell them I’m coming home. Liam has too much power here, and he’s going to make sure I can’t work anywhere in this city. Do you think your uncle would even consider hiring me after this mess?” I couldn’t meet her eyes as I asked.
“Listen to me carefully. Of course my uncle would hire you, or my father would. They
40 Chapter 40–Comfort Food and Midnight Tears
both know exactly who you are and what you’re made of. They would never question your integrity or character. But you’re not running home with your tail between your legs. You’re staying right here and making the comeback of the century. Liam Sterling might be powerful, but he’s not God. We’ll find you another position here, and when that clown finally realizes what he’s lost, you’ll crush him like the insect he is.”
I laid out every excruciating detail, from Liam’s cold accusations to the way he looked at me like I was a stranger. The tears came again, rolling down my cheeks as I relived each moment.
“Take all the time you need, honey.”
I managed a weak smile, feeling utterly drained. She handed me a glass of water and a small white pill.
“It won’t pass, Chl. What happened today was absolutely devastating. My voice cracked on the words.
words,
“They’re both idiots, Hazel. You know who you are, and your conscience is crystal clear, so forget those cowards.” Chloe’s anger blazed even hotter. “But mark my they’ll regret treating you this way. I guarantee it.”
The gentle hope in her words nearly broke me all over again. I shook my head, fresh tears already threatening to spill.
“Oh, Hazel, if there’s one thing my father taught me about business, it’s that traitors always get exposed eventually. They get cocky and make mistakes. Liam will figure out it wasn’t you, especially when this audit wraps up and the real truth comes to light.” “What happened, sweetheart? Miranda told me you were already in bed when she got here with Leo. She wanted to check on you, but you were out cold. She could tell you’d been crying though.” Chl’s voice carried that soothing quality that always managed to calm my storms. “Did you and Liam have your first real fight? These things happen, but they pass.”
I struggled to sit up, my body heavy with exhaustion and heartbreak. The sight of my best friend’s worried expression made the crushing weight in my chest even heavier.
“Come here, beautiful. Food first, then we attack this ice cream like the therapy it is.” She patted the mattress beside her.
“What an absolute bastard! I’m going to destroy that arrogant piece of garbage! He had
40 Chapter 40 Comfort Food and Midnight Team
no right to treat you like that, none at all! Chl’s fury burned bright and protective. She had always absorbed my pain as if it were her own, insisting that sharing the burden made it lighter for both of us.
But sleep brought no peace. The night stretched endlessly, filled with twisted dreams where Liam’s disappointed face morphed into accusations, and I woke repeatedly with tears on my cheeks and his name on my lips.
“Don’t even worry about that right now. Miranda’s spending the night, and those two are having the time of their lives in the living room. Let her handle Leo tonight. You’re falling apart, and I’m here to put you back together.” Her fingers gently smoothed my tangled hair.
She was right. My skull felt like it might split open. I swallowed the medication gratefully and sank back into my pillows. Chl kissed my forehead, turned off the lamp, and slipped out quietly.
“Okay.
then tell me everything, and we’ll figure out together whether it’s as bad as you think. And if it really is that terrible, I’ll send Noah over to beat the living hell out of Sterling. Despite her attempt at humor, I could see the fierce protectiveness blazing in her eyes.
“It’s for the headache. Your head must be pounding after all that crying.
“I’ll tell you everything. But where’s Leo?” The question hit me suddenly as I realized how late it must be. My son should have been home hours ago.
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41 Chapter 41 · Darkness and Doubt
