Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 33

A/N

I Totally meant to upload this chapter with the previous two. That's my bad. Enjoy!

Elle's POV

The cold January air hits my burning skin in a way that's very satisfying. I needed to get out of that building, and away from the lovebirds. Tonight is inevitably triggering a lot of negative emotions, ones I thought I was well over. The jealousy, the anger, everything. I know I can trust Christian but that did nothing for the subtle ache I felt every time I thought about Micah. I mean seriously, what's her issue? If this is their dynamic while Christian is in a relationship, I can only imagine how it was before. Actually scratch that, I don't want to imagine.

I feel sort of dizzy, I think from the alcohol. Alcohol and anxiety. The fresh air is nice. I didn't even realize how hot it actually was inside the club. All I know is I don't wanna go back. I'd rather stand outside and freeze.

"Elle, are you alright?" Says a figure from behind. This voice immediately rattles my bones, forcing the nervous feeling I already had to intensify. I just can't catch a break, can I?

I contemplate ignoring the voice completely until I'm left alone, but I can't imagine It'd make things better. With a hefty sigh, I bring my palm to my forehead.

"Hunter...now's not the time. I promise you I can't handle whatever you're about to say." I don't even have the energy to fight him, only to beg for his mercy and hope he spares me whatever bullshit I know he came to bring. I'm far too drained for any apology, confession of love, or argument. I look up at him, as the wind scurries through his freshly cut black hair. The freckles on his fair skin darken when he scrunches his face together. A concerned look perhaps? I can't really tell.

"Don't worry, I just came to check on you. I saw you rush out here. You seem upset?"

"I'm fine."

"Doesn't look like it to me. What's wrong?"

I laugh bitterly at Hunter's attempts to be caring. Remembering how we ended, and how often he'd dismiss me in the past, it truly is comical to witness his false heroism. It's no lie when people say those who've hurt you will only come to realize their mistakes when it's too late. For Hunter, it's far too late.

"I'm no damsel in distress, but thanks anyway." I dismiss him, with a wave. Rather than walking away as I'd hoped, he stands his ground with crossed arms.

"I'm being serious, Elena. And where's your coat? It's thirty degrees."

"You know, I really do wonder where this regard for me was when we were actually dating." I scoff, with another passive aggressive laugh.

"It was always here."

I roll my eyes, "Oh please. Let's not pretend like the only reason you think you still want me is because I'm with someone else."

"Again, that's not true."

"Yeah right." I can physically see the puffs of air come from my mouth after every word. It's freezing, but for some reason my skin still burns. "You never really gave a shit about me. I was just too blindly in love with you to see."

There's a short pause. "Or at least I thought I was."

He frowns. "I made a mistake, don't dismiss our entire relationship because of it."

"You cheated on me, then left me without any explanation. You let me believe it was my fault!" I spit harshly. I know I said I wasn't in the mood to argue, but him standing here, checking up on me like he's innocent really pisses me off.