I Deleted You Traitor Even My Blade Forgot Your Name novel Chapter 55

Chapter 13.

Over the next few days, Zach practically lived in my hospital room. Stopped asking to get back together. Stopped apologizing

ust sat there with this tiny sketchbook and pencil, quietly drawing something.

de was so absorbed in it.

Every so often he’d look up at me with these careful, hopeful eyes.

ake he was desperate for me to smile at him.

Even just acknowledge him. Anything.

never did.

Every time, my face stayed completely blank.

Jay three, Zach finally shut the sketchbook.

Couldn’t keep going.

Every line he drew felt like torture.

My pale, worn–out face from the abortion was a constant reminder–this was all on him.

Discharge day, Zach showed up to get me without asking.

fad this huge bouquet of white roses. Used to be my favorite flower.

Now? Just irritating.

Let me drive you home,” he said quietly.

didn’t refuse. Didn’t say anything,

ust got in his car.

No point arguing–waste of time.

‘ree ride? Whatever.

just wanted to crash.

wo weeks later, I was back at the office.

Cach turned into a completely different person.

Every day he’d be waiting downstairs with pastries I liked and expensive gifts wrapped up nice.

After work, always there by the door.

Didn’t matter how cold I was–he’d still smile. “Nora, let me take you home.”

My coworkers started giving me looks–curious, gossipy.

Chapter 13.

they robotmap thrt hats around why I’d bin down this gorgeous, rich, dasted gay

Espored the Bid better explaining

Te was just some guy persing through my life now. Hot worth the conversation.

landing there next to his fancy car, he just annoyed me.

Funny thing? I used to pray he’d pick me up from work.

Lack then my apartment complex had terrible lighting Walking home at night freaked me mit

d call him constantly. His phone was always off. same excuse every time: “Need silence to work. Can’t have distractions.”

but Gianna would call crying once, and he’d book a flight to Vancouver in the middle of the night just to watch the damn sunrise with her.

ill that attention I used to beg for? Finally showing up.

Too bad I’m over it.

24

tach kept showing up with gifts.

had reception send everything back.

Those pastries? Never touched a single one.

offered rides home? Always made up excuses, grabbed an Uber instead.

One afternoon during lunch, I caught some coworkers gossiping about Zach.

Heard about that artist? Totally destroyed his hand!”

No way. Thought he was crazy protective of those hands.”

Guess his girlfriend torched his studio. He ran straight into the fire–only grabbed one painting. Got his hand burned bad. Doctors say he’s done painting for

jood.”

Damn. That’s literally his whole career.”

My hand froze on my coffee cup.

ast for a second.

Didn’t feel bad. Wasn’t shocked.

ew days later, Zach came by the office again.

eft hand wrapped up thick in gauze. What skin showed was scarred from burns–rough, ugly.

le pulled out a painting from his car, eyes carrying this last shred of hope.

Nora, look.”

fe carefully peeled back the cloth covering it.

Full painting underneath.

eriously detailed. Every brushstroke deliberate, thoughtful. You could see how hard he’d worked on it

When the fire started, I didn’t think about anything else just had to save this.”

Is voice went soft, almost proud–like a kid showing off a good grade. “See? It’s perfect. Didn’t get damaged at all.

looked at the painting. Then at his ruined hand.

Zach, my birthday’s already over.”

lis smale died instantly.

You promised after your exhibition, you’d paint something for my birthday.

But I already spent that birthday alone. Expired gift. Expired painting. Expired love. Don’t want any of it.”

ill color drained from his face. The painting slipped from his grip and hit the pavement.

lis mouth opened. Nothing came out.

watched the last bit of light leave his eyes.

ust emptiness left behind.

ventually heard Zach officially retired from the art scene.

ainting was literally all he knew how to do. Now even that was gone.

and Gianna? Second she found out he couldn’t paint anymore, she bounced, Started dating some trust fund kid right away.

hat’s when it finally hit Zach–Gianna’s whole “love” thing was just about his status and reputation as an artist.

hat perfect first love he’d been hung up on for years? Never actually gave a damn about him.

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