Stolen by Fate

Chapter 22: A Fragile Truce

Chapter 22: A Fragile Truce

The days after Adrian's confession were a blur. I wasn't sure how to feel or what to do. My mind was spinning with the weight of everything I had learned. Part of me wanted to run, to get as far away from him as possible. But another part—one that I hated to admit existed—still cared. Still wanted to believe that he was telling the truth.

We hadn't spoken much since that night. Alyssa had been hovering, trying to keep an eye on me, making sure I wasn't slipping back into that dark place. She didn't trust Adrian, and honestly, I couldn't blame her. But every time I thought about cutting him out of my life, something inside me held back.

He had done horrible things, yes. But there was something in his eyes, something in the way he talked to me that made me feel like he genuinely regretted it. Like he wanted to fix things.

I just didn't know if that was enough.

It was a few days later when Adrian showed up at my door again. I had spent most of the morning curled up on the couch, trying to distract myself with movies, but my mind kept drifting back to him. When I heard the knock, I knew it was him before I even opened the door.

He stood there, his expression guarded but hopeful. I could tell he wasn't sure if I would let him in or slam the door in his face. After a long moment of silence, I stepped aside and motioned for him to come in.

"I wasn't sure if you'd want to see me," he said quietly as he walked into the living room.

"I wasn't sure either," I admitted, crossing my arms and leaning against the wall. "Why are you here, Adrian?"

He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine. "I came to talk. I know things are... messed up right now, and I don't expect you to forgive me overnight. But I need you to understand that I'm serious about fixing this. About us."

"Fixing what, exactly?" I asked, my voice sharp. "You used me, Adrian. You made me think you cared about me, and the whole time you were planning to use me as part of some scheme. How am I supposed to trust anything you say after that?"

He ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "I know. I know what I did was wrong. I'm not trying to excuse it. But I wasn't lying when I said I called it off. After that night with you, everything changed for me."

I crossed my arms tighter, my heart racing with the confusion and anger that still bubbled inside me. "And what about the guy you were working with? You said he wasn't having it when you tried to back out. What happens now?"

Adrian sighed, stepping closer but still keeping a careful distance. "That's the part I'm trying to figure out. He's not the kind of guy who just lets things go, but I'm handling it. I won't let him come near you, Ni. I promise."

I wanted to believe him. I really did. But the fear of what might happen next was always there, lurking in the back of my mind. "How do I know this isn't just another part of the plan?"

"Because I'm not that guy anymore," he said, his voice firm but soft. "I don't care about the plan, the money, or any of it. All I care about is you. I know it sounds crazy, but it's the truth. I don't want to lose you."

I looked away, feeling the tears burn at the edges of my eyes. This was too much. Too complicated. "You already lost me when you lied," I whispered.

The silence that followed was heavy, thick with the weight of everything unsaid. I could hear Adrian's breath catch, and when I finally looked back at him, his expression was one of pure pain.

"I know I hurt you," he said, his voice breaking. "But if you give me another chance, I swear I'll do everything I can to make it right. I don't expect you to just forget what I did, but I'm asking you to give me a chance to prove that I'm not that guy anymore."

My heart ached at his words. I wanted to hate him. I wanted to push him away and tell him I was done. But the truth was, a part of me wasn't done. A part of me still cared, still wanted to believe in him.

I took a deep breath, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can forgive you."

"I'm not asking you to forgive me right now," Adrian said, stepping closer, his eyes pleading. "I'm just asking you to let me try."

I stared at him for a long moment, my heart battling with my head. Every logical part of me was screaming to walk away, to protect myself. But my heart... my heart was still tangled up in him.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally nodded. "Okay. But this is your last chance, Adrian. If I find out you're lying to me again, it's over. For good."

A look of relief washed over his face, and he nodded, stepping even closer. "I won't let you down, Ni. I swear."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I let him pull me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me, and I felt the tension in my body slowly melt away. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but for the moment, I was willing to give him the chance to prove himself.