The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 286

Garrison stopped in his tracks and turned.

A dark gray SUV idled by the curb. A woman stood next to the open door, one hand buried in her trench coat pocket, the other resting by her side, a set of car keys dangling from her fingertips.

She wore a dark dress that fluttered in the wind, layered under a beige trench coat. Her shoulder-length hair fell loose, the ends curling slightly, tossed by the winter chill.

Garrison froze. "Lexi... Lexi Lowery?"

The last time he had seen Lexi was five years ago, when he went to her apartment after discovering the truth about Sloane's illness. Back then, she had short hair, wore sports bras and gym shorts, and had bandages wrapped around her knuckles... Now, there wasn't a trace of the fierce boxer left. She looked exactly like a polished corporate professional clocking out of the office.

Lexi offered a small smile.

"It's been a while. I finally found you. I've been looking for you for a long time."

"Looking for me?" Garrison asked, surprised. "Why?"

It wasn't that he hadn't wanted to reach out to Lexi over the years; he knew she was Sloane's best friend.

But Lexi hadn't attended Sloane's funeral.

Garrison didn't have her contact information, and when he later visited Sloane's old apartment, it was completely empty. Lexi was gone, and even Sloane's adopted calico cat, Mittens, had vanished with her.

"Lexi, the truth is, I've looked for you over the years too..." Garrison started.

"Over the years," Lexi said, taking two steps forward until she stood right in front of him. The streetlights illuminated the fine lines on her face as she looked up at him. The corner of her mouth quirked upward.

"I haven't been in the city. I left right after I found out Sloane died. You might not believe this, but I left because I was terrified I'd lose control... and kill you."

Garrison's heart grew heavy. He knew she meant every word.

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