Chapter 12
Standing there with his Grammy, Lennon felt… hollow. He’d gotten everything he thought he wanted, but there was this gaping void inside his chest that wouldn’t fill.[]
His place felt like a mausoleum. Noa’s stuff was still there–he’d lost his shit that day when some delivery guy showed up to collect it and basically chased the poor dude off the property. He’d already swallowed his pride, so why was she being so fucking cruel?]
He’d cut things off with Nina completely, thrown himself into his career. The plan was simple: build an empire, give Noa the world. She could focus on her research while he handled everything else.[]
Fame, money, screaming fans–he had it all now. So why did he feel like garbage? All those crowds chanting his name couldn’t fill the Noa–shaped hole eating away at him.[]
She was really pissed this time. He needed to fix this, but her phone went straight to voicemail and she’d wiped him from existence online. Digital ghosting at its finest.[] online.
When he showed up at Boston U, her classmates told him she’d left for Germany months ago. That’s when the panic really set in.[]
He told himself this was just academic stuff–he would’ve supported her decision if she’d actually talked to him about it. But now he felt completely untethered, desperate to see her face.]
This time he’d make it right. Whatever it took. Noa would forgive him–she always did. Twenty–something hours of hell on planes and trains, his body running on fumes and pure determination.[]
But thinking about seeing her again made his chest tight with anticipation, like sneaking kisses behind the school gym.[]
They’d never been apart this long. The distance was fucking with his head. He swore to himself: after this, no more breakup threats. He couldn’t survive without her.[]
Once they made up, he’d go public immediately. Tell the whole world Noa belonged to him.[]
Standing outside her door, clutching her favorite flowers, he felt nervous as a teenager. He knocked for what felt like forever before finally hearing footsteps.]
The door opened, but instead of his girl, some tall guy in loungewear stood there looking at him like he was dirt.[]
“Who are you? Where’s Noa?“]
Those cold eyes behind wire–rim glasses radiated pure hostility:[]
“She’s still sleeping.”
“What the hell does that mean? Where is she? I need to see her!“]
Panic clawed up Lennon’s throat. The guy’s mouth curved into this cruel little smile:[]
“Sorry man, she’s pretty wiped out from last night. Doubt she’s up for visitors.”
The words hit like physical blows. Wiped out. Last night.]
“NOA! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE! I NEED TO SEE YOU!“]
His voice cracked as he started yelling.
