Never Getting Her Back novel Chapter 20

Back in the city she knew so well, Clara could already feel that her perspective had changed. She walked beside Selina, wheeling her luggage along as they talked happily on their way out of the airport.

While they were chatting, Selina noticed her parents in the distance and waved. Once Selina introduced Clara, her parents immediately asked her to come home with them.

But knowing they had a lot to catch up on, Clara politely declined so she wouldn't be in the way of their reunion.

After they parted ways, Clara left the airport alone, only to find it was pouring outside. With no cabs in sight, she pulled out her phone to book a ride.

Just as she was about to book one, a black car pulled up in front of her. She instinctively looked up—and there was Damon, walking toward her with an umbrella.

It had been months since they last saw each other. He looked noticeably thinner. He wore a dark green trench coat that made him look tall and lean. He was almost like a reed in the wind.

Clara hadn't expected him to show up, and for a moment, she just stood there, stunned. He walked straight up to her. His eyes held an emotion she couldn't quite read.

His voice was low and steady as he said, "It's been a long time, Clara. How have you been?"

Clara instinctively took a few steps back, putting some distance between them.

"I'm fine," she replied flatly.

Her cold response made something sink in Damon's chest. Still, he knew this was just how things were now. They were exes and nothing more. He pulled himself together quickly.

He noticed the suitcase in her hand and said, "It's coming down hard. Let me drive you to the hotel."

Clara checked her phone to find that her ride was already confirmed. She shook her head. "No, thanks. The car will be here any minute."

Damon was rooted to the spot. His eyes followed the driver as he packed her suitcase into the trunk. She opened the car door and snapped her umbrella shut.

Suddenly, he felt something slipping away from him. Without thinking, he lunged forward and grabbed the door just before it closed.

His voice came through steady and clear over the pounding rain. "I don't think we come from different worlds, Clara. Maybe you've heard people gossip about where you're from or say you shouldn't have married me, but I need you to understand that I never looked at you like that.

"Not once did I think you weren't good enough to be with me. You've taken on life straight on and gone after what you want without hesitation. You don't have to put yourself down."

Clara had been on her own for nearly ten years, and no one had ever said anything like that to her. She turned slightly and gave him a smile she hardly ever showed.

"Thank you," she said.