Chasing His Kickass Luna Back
Chapter 0317

Abby

I can't stay here any longer.

Watching Karl and Shana dance together is more than I can bear. The music, the laughter, and the way they move together on the dance floor—it's like someone just thrust an invisible dagger into my heart.

So, I slip away from the crowd, pushing through the side door and making my way to the dimly lit alley behind the restaurant. No one sees me go, or at least I hope they don't.

I can just imagine Emily and her friends now, sneering at me. I can imagine what she’s saying now: that despite my proud attitude, my ex-husband is still dancing with another woman, and I'm standing on the sidelines like a wallflower at a middle school dance.

And suddenly, my little speech earlier seems hollow and pointless.

When I get outside, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

The ground is dirty, and the sounds of the music are drowned out by the sounds of the city. Somewhere nearby, a car alarm is going off. Somewhere else, I can hear the sound of a couple arguing through the open window of their apartment. And somewhere else, there's a baby crying. But right now, this cacophony of city noises is a welcome distraction from the whirling thoughts in my head

Leaning against a brick wall, I try to steady my breathing. The cool night air helps clear my head a bit, but the ache in my chest remains, and the hot prickling behind my eyes makes it feel as though the tears could slip out at any moment.

I can't deny it any longer; seeing Karl with someone else hurts more than I ever could have imagined, and I hate that I feel that way right now. I feel like a hypocrite.

Is this how he felt when he found out that I was with Adam? Did his chest hurt like this? Surely it did; and suddenly, the lengths he went to to result in our breakup make just a little bit more sense. How can I be mad at him when I'm here, already praying for the demise of his newfound relationship?

Just as I'm lost in my thoughts, the sound of footsteps approaches. I turn to see Anton making his way toward me with a cigarette in his hand. He raises an eyebrow when he sees me standing alone in the alley, clearly not expecting me to be here.

"Abby? What are you doing out here?” he asks, eyeing me up and down. “I thought you were enjoying the party.”

I manage a weak smile. “I just needed some fresh air, that's all. It's getting a bit stuffy in there. And it's loud.” Then, I add with a hollow chuckle, “I don't think I'm much of a party person.”

Anton studies me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “I know you are not telling the truth, Abby,” he says in that thick French accent of his. “There is simply no way a beautiful mademoiselle such as yourself would rather be in a dirty alley than at a party in that gown. Go on, you can be honest with me.”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I want to confide in him. But I've known Anton for long enough at this point to know that my secret is safe with him, and that he won't judge me.

My eyes flick down to my dress next, taking note of the way that the color seems dull now in the orange glow of the streetlights. This alley isnt a place for this dress. I belong inside, with the others, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Not when Karl and Shana are in there, falling in love right before my eyes.

“Alright, fine. It's Karl,” I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “He has another date, and she’s beautiful. Seeing him with someone else... it's so much harder than I thought it would be.” Anton nods, a knowing expression on his face. “Ah, Karl. Everyone in the restaurant could see there was something between you two.”

I sigh, feeling a tear threaten to escape my eye. “We... We did,” I mutter. “But it doesn't matter now. He has a new girlfriend, and our relationship... it won't go anywhere. We used to be married, you know.”

Anton's eyes widen. “Are you serious?”

I nod. “Dead serious, Anton. It's all a mess, but... I'm afraid that ship has long since sailed. He's moved on. I probably should, too.” Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Anton remains silent for a moment, his gaze distant as if lost in his own memories. Then, he lets out a heavy sigh. “You know, Abby, love can be a tricky thing. Sometimes, it takes time to find its way back.”

I furrow my brow, not sure where he’s going with this. “What do you mean?”

Anton leans against the wall next to me, his eyes fixed on a distant point. “I met my wife many years ago. We were deeply in love, and everything was perfect. But I had a gambling problem, as you well know, and I let it destroy our relationship. She left me, and I thought I had lost her forever.”

His words strike a chord with me, and I turn to look at him with empathy. “I'm so sorry, Anton. But you two are meeting up in a few days! That's something, isn't it?”

He smiles sadly. “Thank you, Abby. Yes, we are speaking soon. But I don't think she'll ever want to get back with me, not in a romantic way. Even so, I will never stop loving her and regretting what I did.”

I can feel the weight of his words, the depth of his pain. Without thinking, I reach out to grab his arm, giving it a squeeze. “I'm sorry, Anton. I'm over here complaining when I shouldn't be.”

“That's not what I was saying,” he says, shaking his head vehemently. “What I'm trying to say is that... Not all is lost. I am having coffee with my wife. Karl is on that dance floor, so close you could touch him. Not everything needs to end in fire and ashes.”

“So you think I should try?” I ask, feeling a glimmer of hope. “You think there's a chance?”

He turns to me, his gaze intense. “I cannot tell the future, Abby, no matter how much I wish I could,” he says gently. “But, Abby... You have to be the master of your own fate. What harm is there in trying?”

His words are like a lifeline, and I find myself nodding. “Thank you, Anton. That means a lot. I think I needed to hear that.”

He puts his arm around my shoulders and gives me a reassuring squeeze. “Anytime, Abby. Now, I know your station is waiting for you in the kitchen... but how about one last dance before you return to work, no?”

I hesitate for a moment, torn between the pain of seeing Karl with someone else and the warmth of Anton's words. This could end in fire, or it could... not. Maybe it'll end in a kiss. Or maybe it'll end in nothing at all, and that's okay.

Finally, I nod, a small smile forming on my lips. “One last dance sounds perfect.”

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