Page 93 of A Win-Win Situation
I made a mistake.
You’ve been ignoring me, so I did what I had to do
I’m in Nice. We need to talk
Meet me at Café Paulette at 7 p.m.
I was with Lucas when I read the first message, and I tried my hardest to mask the look of shock on my face. If he knew where I was, he wouldn't be happy. Even though he doesn't seem to want me in the way that I want him, there's a possessiveness in him that leaves me to believe he wouldn’t take lightly to me going for a coffee with another man, in public. As long as I wear his ring, there’s an unspoken understanding between us that we’re bound by vows and promises.
After Lucas left, I glanced at my phone to read the messages and I almost had a heart attack on the spot.
John’s here—in Nice.
This is the fourth number he’s texted me from, and I’ve blocked every single one thus far, but I’ve had enough. I need to hear what pathetic speech he has practiced. My cheating ex-boyfriend is here to beg and I’m all for it.
Another half hour passes before I get a message from Lucas this time, asking where I am. I don’t answer. Then another message arrives, followed by a call.
Fuck.Should I answer? He might be worried. I think about it for a second and decide not to. I let it ring because I can’t bear to lie to him this second.
"Leora?" A voice I know all too well snaps me out of my thoughts and I turn around to facehim.
His hair is longer and he has a beard now. The blue t-shirt he's wearing is a size too big for him, making him appear slightly disheveled. The sight of him brings back memories of how he used to present himself. He used to care so much about his appearance, but now he certainly doesn’t look like the John I left behind.
"Can I sit down?"
Say no.
"Sure."
You fool.
"I’ve tried to reach you so many times."
He takes a seat, keeping his pleading blue gaze on mine.
"John," I say, my voice slightly strained. "Why are you here?"
His presence is stirring up a mix of emotions I thought I’d buried. I try to maintain a composed demeanor, but inwardly, I’m bleeding. All the wounds I thought were starting to heal are now ripped open once again. The memories of our past relationship resurface, reminding me of the mistakes and heartbreak I endured.
"After I saw that photo you posted, I knew I needed to see you, Leora," he says, his voice trembling with sincerity. "You haven't returned my calls, messages, or emails. This was the only thing I could do to reach you. I miss you."
He fucking misses me.
"You miss me?" My voice is sharp, almost sounding sardonic.
"Yes, more than you know."
"You didn't seem to miss me when you were shoving your tongue inside that redhead." The words slip out of my mouthbefore I even know what I'm saying. The bitterness and anger that has been simmering within me finally find their release as I stare at John, his mouth dropping slightly at my crude words.
The image of him with someone else still haunts me, a constant reminder of our broken trust.
I’m not sad anymore. I’m just angry.
He opens his mouth, but no words come out. Guilt and regret flash across his face, and I can see the weight of his actions finally sinking in. The truth of my words hangs heavy in the air between us.
"I'm sorry, Leora," he finally manages to say, his voice heavy with remorse. "I messed up. I made a terrible mistake, and I regret it every day."
I shake my head, a mix of frustration and disbelief coursing through me. "Regret doesn't undo the pain, John. It doesn't erase the fact that you betrayed my trust—that you shattered our relationship."
