Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 9

Gabriella's POV

Kayden took a hesitant step toward me, his arms half-raised before dropping back to his sides.

"Remember how you used to follow me everywhere? How you said you'd stay by my side forever?"

"I was blind. Too stupid to see what was right in front of me."

"You were the only one who ever truly loved me. I was just too caught up in our family situation to let myself see it."

"But I get it now. I love you too. I want us to be together - for real this time."

When he tried to embrace me, I shoved him away hard.

His eyes were desperate. "God, seeing you with another guy just now... it killed me. I'm terrified of losing you. If I pushed you into someone else's arms, I couldn't live with myself."

"Thank god you turned him down. I know you still love me - you can't just switch off feelings that deep."

"Letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life. I won't make that mistake again."

"Come home with me, Gabby. I promise I'll make everything right this time."

He reached for me again. I stepped back.

Seeing me maintain my distance, his shoulders slumped.