Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 125

Going back to Randal's place was out of the question, and returning to Sycamore Grove wasn't an option right now either.

She thought for a moment. "Let's find somewhere to sit down first."

Zack nodded and turned toward the parking lot. "Wait for me here."

Twenty minutes later, they were sitting in a quiet coffee shop.

Willa cradled her mug, letting the warmth of the ceramic thaw her icy fingertips.

It finally hit her—this was it. She and Randal were completely finished.

Zack sat across from her, studying her for a long time before speaking. "Willa, lately... I've been back in Jansen."

Willa looked up at him, unsure of where he was going with this.

He continued, "After what happened last time, my parents banned me from coming to Norvale. The only reason I'm here today is for Randal's engagement."

Willa lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I caused trouble for you again."

"Willa, I don't blame you." Zack rushed to explain. "I just wanted you to know that I didn't avoid you on purpose. I..."

"Zack," Willa interrupted him. "There's something I need to tell you."

Zack stared at her, a hint of unease in his eyes. "What is it?"

Willa took a deep breath. "Randal and I got back together."

Zack's expression completely froze. It took him a long time to find his voice, and when he did, it sounded incredibly strained. "When?"

"About a month ago."

Willa had no intention of giving him the full story. Telling him they had reconciled was simply a way to force him to move on.

"But he just got engaged to Scarlett!" Zack's voice abruptly spiked in volume, unable to comprehend her actions.

Willa sighed. "I'm not the perfect person you think I am. You can just write me off as pathetic. I couldn't let him go. At the end of the day, I'm just a normal girl who makes stupid mistakes. Stop putting me on a pedestal."

Once they were seated on the sofa, Willa finally spoke. "Sophie, do you have an empty apartment? I need a place to crash for a few days."

"An apartment? Why don't you just stay here with me?"

Willa shook her head. "The second he realizes I'm gone, you're the first person Randal will think of. He'll definitely come looking for me here, and I don't want to drag you into this. I can't go back to Sycamore Grove right now either. I just need a place to lay low while I figure things out."

Sophie pondered this for a long time. She grabbed her phone and walked to the other side of the room. "Hold on, let me make a call."

She spoke briefly into the receiver before hanging up.

Sophie marched back and linked her arm through Willa's. "Let's go."

Willa was stunned. "Go where?"

"You made a good point. He'd definitely check any property under my name. But my brother has an empty apartment near here. You can hide out there."

Willa let herself be pulled toward the door, her mind still spinning. "Is that... really okay?"