Abandoned By My Hero, Reborn Stronger

Mckin

tayed over. Again. It had been like this for weeks, a slow, agonizing torture, each night a fresh reminder of the life he was buildi

ng a habit, a bitter ritual to mark the passing of sleepless nights. The smoke filled my lungs, a ha

night. Dark circles under my eyes, hair disheveled. I looked like a ghost haunting my own life. D

e kitchen island, perfectly coiffed, a vision of effortless chic. Jordan stood beside her, his

the words tasting like ash. I poured myself a cup

ew espresso machine you bought. It makes the coffee perfectly. But I was wondering," she paused,

me. Hours spent researching, finding the perfect beans, the perfect roas

of chocolate. We used to spend Sunday mornings on the p

, as we watched the sunrise. "This is perfect, Kianna," he'd murmur, a

ke, sweetheart," he said, pressing a kiss

t memory, replacing my careful efforts with Gwyneth' s effortless charm. The truth was a co

ned to escape my lips.

always preferred the single-origin Colombian. Remember the little cafe

wasn't it? People change. Tastes evolve. You can't expect Jordan to be stuck in the past, can you?" She turned t

rstand. My palate has matured." He said it with a dismissive wave of his han

ion wash over me, a familiar, unwelcome guest. My ears burned. "You're r

going to the library," I announced, desperate to escape. "I

's so important that you can't spend time with us?" There was a possessive edge to his

p," I said, my voice carefull

law school? Are you sure you're cut out for that? It's so... intense. And you're so...

ur grades? I always thought you were more suited for something creative, something less... stress

hough my hands trembled slightly. The words

u should take a break. A vacation, perhaps? Gwyneth and I are going to t

hat my ambition was just a phase, infuriated me. He saw me as an extension of his

older than I intended. "I appreciat

? I told you, Kianna, you need to be careful. There are a lot of bad people ou

n make her own choices. And if she wants to explore a little romance, who are we to stop her? Besides," she winked at

plore romance," knowing full well that my heart belonged to

d, "and I'll be back when I'm done." I didn't wait for a response, turning on my hee

ordan's voice, tinged with annoy

d back, not turning a

s I walked further away. "And wear something warm!" The

l too much. My entire youth, spent orbiting around him, believing his protection was love, his possessiveness a sign of care. I had sac

ays until I could finally be myself, whoever that wa

embered a different rain, years ago, when Jordan had held an umbrella over my head, shielding me from the downpour, his warmth a co

ook a deep breath, letting the cool rain wash over my face, blurring the line between tears and raindrops. I was alone. But I was also, final