Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Chapter 48 Done Being Afraid

SOPHIA’S POV

I sat alone at a small corner table in the restaurant. It was the kind of space that was tucked away where no one usually chose to sit unless they wanted to disappear. That was exactly why I had come.

It was my lunch break, but I didn’t want noise or company. I wanted quiet. I wanted space to breathe.

I ordered a simple salad and a glass of water. When the plate arrived, I barely touched it. I wasn’t hungry. My stomach felt tight, like it had been knotted for days.

Sunlight poured in through tall windows. For a few minutes, I let myself pretend this peace was real.

I needed this. I needed silence. After Damien, after the school, after everything.

I checked my phone. There were no messages and no missed calls. There was nothing from Damien. Nothing from anyone.

I set the phone face down on the table and picked at a piece of lettuce.

Movement near the entrance caught my eye. My heart skipped before my mind could catch up.

It was Lance.

He walked into the restaurant slowly.

He looked thinner than the last time I’d seen him. His suit was slightly wrinkled, like he hadn’t bothered to press it. He had dark circles under his eyes. He looked tired and worn down. He looked like a man who had been fighting and losing.

Goddess... what did they do to you? What did I do to you?

He hadn’t seen me yet. He walked in then spoke briefly to the hostess. She smiled politely and pointed toward the private dining area. Lance nodded and thanked her, then headed that way.

My chest felt tight so hard it hurt.

He lost his job because of me. Damien destroyed his career because he wanted to get back at me. Everything happening to him was all my fault.

I pushed my chair back and stood. I didn’t think. I just moved.

I walked toward the private dining area and found Lance standing outside one of the rooms, checking his watch. He looked nervous.

“Lance,” I said softly.

He turned to my direction. He looked shocked when he saw me.

“Sophia,” he said with a smile “I didn’t expect to see you.”

I stook awkwardly in front of him. I wasn’t sure whether to hug him or....

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I have a meeting,” he said. “With the hospital director.”

I heard the hope in his voice as he spoke. “There’s another hospital across town. It’s smaller but... they might take me.”

I felt relieved as soon as he said that. But I still felt guilty. He wouldn’t have to be job hunting if it wasn’t for me.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out.

He frowned slightly. “Sorry for what?”

“For everything,” I said. “You lost your job because of me. Your reputation. Your future. Damien-”

He shook his head firmly. “No. Don’t do that.”

“It was my fault,” I insisted. “I ruined your career.”

“You didn’t,” he said. “I chose to stand by you. I don’t regret that. Not for a second.”

His words made tears burn at the back of my eyes. I looked away quickly.

Without thinking, I reached into my purse and pulled out my bank card. I offered it to him.

“Take this,” I said. “Please.”

He stepped back immediately. He looked surprised. “Sophia, no.”

“You need it more than I do,” I said. “Just for now.”

“I won’t take your money,” he said firmly. “I’m not doing that.”

I grabbed his hand and pressed the card into his palm. My voice dropped low.

“The PIN is 2841,” I said. “Use it for anything you need.”

Before he could argue again, I turned and walked away.

“Sophia.” Lance called out.

I didn’t answer. I kept walking.

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