Avenging Love

Chapter Twenty Two

Jennifer's POV:

Mr. Vinson was sitting at the far end of the restaurant, his intense gaze fixed on me. He was an imposing figure with a sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. Daisy brushed her shoulder against mine playfully, breaking my trance.

"How romantic, the way he is looking at you," she said teasingly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's sit at that table," she suggested, gesturing towards the one right next to Mr. Vinson.

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "No, we'll be so close to him," I protested, feeling a mix of excitement and dread.

"That's what we want," she replied with a sly grin, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Before I could argue further, she grabbed my hand and led me to the table. She sat down confidently, leaving no room for me to retreat. I sighed, took a seat across from her, acutely aware of Mr. Vinson's eyes still on me.

As I settled into my chair, I couldn't help but sneak a glance at him, a smirk crept onto his face, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared, I felt a flutter in my stomach. I instantly averted my gaze and looked straight ahead. Despite my nerves, I felt a strange pull towards Mr. Vinson, wondering what he might be thinking and why he was watching me so intently.

As Jake arrived and joined Mr. Vinson, a mischievous smile spread across Daisy's face.

"Oh God, the air just got so hot," she quipped, glancing towards Jake.

"I guess you're right," and we burst into laughter. The sound echoed loudly through the otherwise quiet restaurant, drawing curious glances from nearby tables.

Suddenly aware of the attention we'd unwittingly drawn, Daisy and I exchanged embarrassed looks. Mr. Vinson and Jake were also looking in our direction, along with several other diners whose curiosity had been piqued.

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, we both quickly buried our faces in the menus, pretending to study them intently while silently hoping the awkwardness would soon pass.

"We successfully got everyone's attention," I said, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I glanced around the restaurant.

"Yeah, you're right," Daisy agreed, a mischievous grin threatening to break into laughter. She struggled to maintain composure, a few giggles escaping her lips.

"Shut up, Daisy," I urged, trying to quell my own amusement while shooting her a half-serious look.

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After a satisfying dinner, we leisurely strolled towards the restaurant's exit. Daisy's phone chimed with a message, she looked at the screen a smile crept onto her face and then glanced at Jake, who reciprocated with a warm smile. Sensing an opportunity to tease her, I discreetly cleared my throat to regain her attention.

Daisy turned towards me, "What's going on?" I inquired, unable to suppress a playful grin.

"He said he wants to talk to me."

"Okay, I'll head to the car. You go and have your chat with him," playfully nudging her.

"Ah, you tease," she chuckled, shaking her head as she laughed and headed back to meet Jake.

I made my way to the parking lot, the air pleasantly cool with a promise of impending rain. As I stood there, taking in the serene surroundings, gentle raindrops began to fall around me. Initially startled, I soon found myself enjoying the soft touch of the rain on my skin. With a spontaneous burst of joy, I spread my arms wide, closed my eyes, and tilted my face towards the heavens. A content smile spreading across my face, embracing the moment wholeheartedly.

Lost in the tranquil embrace of the rain, I felt a sudden warmth as strong arms enveloped my waist. Startled, I flinched momentarily, but as the familiar scent reached me, I relaxed. I leaned back into his embrace, my head finding its place on his shoulder, while I held onto his arms tightly. I knew who it was, I could never forget this fragrance. He gently drew his face near mine.

"Where have you been all this time? I've missed you so much," I murmured, my voice broke, betraying me. "Why did you forget your promise?"

A tear escaped my eye, tracing a path down my cheek as I awaited his response, my heart pounding with a mixture of relief and apprehension.

"You said you would come, you promised to come for me, but you never came. Where were you, Aaron?" I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. Tears flowed freely from my eyes, mingling with the raindrops.

As I felt the arms around me beginning to loosen. Panic seized me, and I held onto them tightly, desperately afraid that he would leave me again, stranded and heartbroken. I might have to live without him once more. I can't let him go again.

The scent of his cologne enveloped me, triggering memories of longing and disappointment. His presence, stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, betrayal, longing, and the fragile hope of reconciliation.

"I waited for you," I whispered, my grip on his arms tightening. "Please don't leave me again."

Silence hung heavy between us, the weight of unspoken words echoing in the rain-soaked air.

As he rapidly loosened his grip and attempted to leave, panic surged through me. Without a second thought, I dashed towards him and enveloped him in a tight embrace from behind. I buried my face in the back of his shoulders.

"I will not let you go again. You can't leave again," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. He tried to pry my arms away, but I clung to him with all my strength, refusing to let him slip away once more.

We stood locked in this embrace for what felt like an eternity, the tension palpable in the air. My heart pounded furiously, its beats echoing in my ears, the fear of losing him again has consumed my heart.

I was terrified of losing my hold on him, as if losing my grip meant losing him altogether. My fingers clenched tighter around him, every muscle in my arms straining to keep him close, to prevent any chance of him slipping away again. He stood motionless, offering no reaction or response.

The world seemed to fade away as we stood locked in that embrace. I could feel his warmth against me, hear the steady rhythm of his breath. He was breathing heavily.

His absence felt unbearable, leaving me with a deep ache that no other comfort could ease. I wrestled with overwhelming longing for his presence, yearning for the solace and completeness he brought to my life.

In that fleeting moment, I yearned for time to freeze, allowing us to linger in this embrace forever, shielded from the world's harsh realities. I prayed that no force would tear him away from me again, keeping us together beyond the reach of any separation.

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Until then....