The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 202

Chapter 142: Choosing You Again–1

Ethan:

I don’t know exactly when it started to feel different. Maybe it was that morning I woke up without her… but knowing that she was in the house. Or maybe it was when I saw her walking through the halls, touching things that were once hers, as if she didn’t know if she still had the right to do so.

Or maybe… it was now.

When was it? How was it?

The need for her was always there, but my pride made me lie to myself.

Did I love her? Yes, I loved her. So much so that I knew she would be the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. She fulfilled everything I wanted. Beautiful, from a good family, I knew I would grow by

her side in every way.

Did I value her? No, I didn’t. I thought that getting married meant she would be with me for the rest of my

life… I was wrong.

2

I’m standing in front of her, in the living room, and Clara hasn’t said anything yet. But there is something in her gaze. Something that was not there before. She has made comments that excite me, that make me hopeful. Now… I don’t see fear anymore. I don’t see any doubt… at least not completely.

A few days have passed and each time, she looks better. So much so that I feel that she is ready to make

a decision.

It’s the weekend, we’re in the garden. We recently had lunch amidst the beautiful view.

My hands are in my pockets, not because I want to look relaxed, but because if I don’t… I would probably end up looking for her, touching her, making sure this is real.

These days have been a dream for me, having her home, being together. Going out to the office, coming back and finding her there. Some days I come back early because I don’t think she’ll be there when I return.

“Ethan,” she finally says.

Just a word, and my chest is already tightening. I look at her without interrupting her, without rushing her.

Because if I’ve learned anything… it’s just that with Clara you don’t push yourself. It is built.

She takes a deep breath.

Her eyes scan the space for a second, as if she needs to anchor herself to something.

To this house, to this place to what we once were.

“I’ve been thinking-” she continues.

Chapter 142–sting You Again!

I barely nou. I don’t say anything, but inside. Everything is on alert.

“About everything,” she adds. “About us… about what happened… about what is happening now.”

I swallow slowly. Because this… This is important.

“And,” she pauses briefly, “I think I want to stay.”

The world stands still, I am not exaggerating. It’s not a poetic–feeling, it’s real.

My breath cuts off for a second, and even though try to hold my ground… I don’t quite succeed.

“Stay…?” I repeat, more quietly than I expected.

She nods.

“Here.”

Silence… But it is not an awkward silence. It is… immense.

Because those four letters… weigh more than anything she’s said to me in the last few days

Here. In this house, with me.

I feel something rise through my chest, something warm, strong… uncontrollable.

But I don’t rush forward, I don’t react impulsively. Not this time.

I take a step toward her, just one.

“Clara,” I murmur.

She holds my gaze.

“I’m not saying that everything is resolved,” she clarifies immediately. “Or that I am not afraid.”

I shake my head softly.

“I know.”

And I know it for a fact. Because I’m afraid too.

“But…” she continues, “I don’t want to run away from this anymore.”

That phrase… That phrase hits me directly. Because that’s what we did before.

Flee, avoid, keep quiet. And it cost us everything.

I get a little closer, just enough to feel her presence without invading her.

“Then let’s not run away,” I say.

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