What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 49

Gabriella's POV

I instinctively tried to close the door, wanting to avoid any confrontation.

Kayden blocked it with his foot, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you avoiding me?"

He leaned closer, studying my face. "You're upset about Charlotte, aren't you?"

I quickly shook my head. "Not at all. I'm happy for you both. You deserve each other."

Something flickered in his eyes - dissatisfaction, perhaps.

"Really? Or is that sarcasm?" He let out a harsh laugh. "Come on, Gabriella. Don't tell me you're still not over me? That drunken kiss at your 18th birthday party - did you think I didn't know about that?"

"All those love letters you've been hiding away - I've read every single one. You thought you were so subtle, but everyone in this house could see right through you. Your eyes gave you away every time."

"Not confessing was the smartest thing you've ever done. I would have laughed in your face."

"Laughed at how pathetic it was."

He strode past me to my desk, yanking open the bottom drawer. Grabbing a stack of letters, he scattered them across the floor, stepping on them deliberately.

"I've raised you since you were seven, Gabriella. I've been like a father to you, and this is how you repay me? Harboring these sick feelings?"

"You knew Charlotte was the only one for me, yet you still wrote these disgusting letters. You make me sick!"

He leaned in close, whispering: "That's why I came here - I saw how you looked at me yesterday when I was drugged. I know you wanted to 'help' me. Thank God you didn't. I would have been revolted for life. You're not worthy of touching me."

My heart clenched painfully. Even though I no longer loved him in this life, his cruel words still cut deep.

After warning me to stay away from him and Charlotte, he slammed the door on his way out.

"I'm warning you - if you try anything against Charlotte, you'll regret it."

I finally looked up. "I'm not plotting anything. I just want everyone to leave me alone."

"Isn't this what you always wanted, Kayden? For me to grow up? You should be happy now, shouldn't you?"

He pressed his lips together, his voice dripping with sarcasm: "Oh, so now you're Little Miss Perfect, aren't you? How wonderful."

He stormed out, slamming the door - his typical reaction when angry.

But I had no interest in soothing his temper anymore.

His anger meant nothing to me now. Soon, I would be gone.