The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 206

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1 -1

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Chapter 144: Cracks, Part 1.-1

Clara

There is something strange about packing, it is not just putting clothes in a suitcase. It’s deciding, in a way… what part of yourself you’re taking with you.

I’m in front of the closet, looking at my things. They are no longer in a makeshift suitcase, they no longer seem temporary.

Now they’re here… organized, settled, lived in. In this house, my house.

The word still surprises me when I think about it… but it doesn’t bother me anymore.

I run my hand over a blouse, then over a dress. I stop for a second, undecided. Not because I don’t know what to bring… but because there’s something else going around in my head. This

trip.

Before… It would have been routine, something automatic. Now… It feels different.

Not because of work, because of what I leave here.

“Do you know what you’re going to wear?” I hear his voice from the door.

I turned my face slightly.

Ethan is leaning against the frame, watching me with that calmness that has come with him

lately.

“I’m working on it,” I reply, going back to the closet.

I pulled out an elegant dress. Sober. Female.

I look at it for a second longer.

“That one,” he says.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, yes?”

“Yes,” he replies, coming closer. “That’s the one I’d choose if I wanted everyone to turn and look at you.”

I can’t help but smile.

“What if I don’t want that?”

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1 -1

He shrugs slightly.

“Then they’re going to do it anyway.”

I look at him.

“Ethan…”

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“It’s the truth,” he adds, without losing his calm. “I’m just telling you what’s going to happen.”

I roll my eyes, but I keep the dress.

“I’ll take it.”

He nods, as if he had gained something.

I keep packing, shoes, accessories. What is necessary.

Nothing more.

“I’d like to go with you,” he says suddenly.

His tone changes slightly, lower, more real.

I look up at him.

“I know.”

And I know. Because I feel it.

“But I have a meeting that I can’t move,” he adds.

I nod.

“It’s okay.”

And I feel that way, too. I don’t need him to be there at all times, not now, not like before.

“It’s a short trip,” I say. “Two nights.”

He gets a little closer.

“Even so.”

There’s something about the way he looks at me, it’s not exaggerated concern. It is not control.

It is… caring.

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1 -1

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him.

And I say this with confidence.

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Because I am. Because I feel strong, because I’m not alone… even when he’s not with me.

He nods slowly.

“I know.”

Silence… But it is quiet.

I approach the suitcase, close it. The sound of the closure seems to mark more than just the end of a package.

I turn to him.

“I’ll call you when I arrive.”

“You’d better do it,” he replies.

I smile.

“And so do you.”

“Always.”

I take a step towards him. And without thinking too much… I hug him.

He reciprocates immediately, his arms encircling my back firmly, but not too tightly.

As if he understands exactly how much I need… and how much I don’t.

“It’s just a journey,” I murmur against his chest.

“I know.”

But he doesn’t move away, and neither do I.

We separate after a few seconds, but our gazes stay connected.

“Go,” he says finally.

I nod.

I take my suitcase and leave.

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1 -1

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The trip is short, at least that’s how I felt it. Everything is organized, flight, transfer, hotel.

Alexander left nothing to chance. And that… I’m not surprised.

I arrive at the hotel, it is modern, elegant, imposing.

Everything in its place, everything perfect. I go up to the room, leave the suitcase and for a

second… I remain silent.

Alone, not uncomfortable. But yes… conscious.

It’s the first time in days that I’m not in that house, that I’m not with him. And I notice it.

I exhale, I take out the phone.

“I’ve arrived.”

The message is sent, the response does not take long.

“Call me when you’re ready.”

I barely smile; he’s always there, always.

The night comes quickly, the city lights up. And I’m in front of the mirror. Ready.

The dress fits perfectly, the makeup is subtle… but defined. The beautiful necklace that Ethan gave me… Loose hair, with movement.

I look at myself for a second longer, and I see no doubt, I don’t see fear.

I see confidence. I grab my bag. And I leave.

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