A Promise He Never Kept Chapter 09
Oliver’s voice broke through the quiet room again. “But what I feel for you is—”
I interrupted him, my tone deliberately cool and distant, as though addressing a stranger I’d just met by chance. “Oliver,” I said softly, “weren’t we just hooking up?”
I let the words hang for a moment before adding, “I hope you find someone who’s a better fit for you.”
There were so many other things demanding my attention, things far more important than this.
Finally, I said with quiet finality, “Don’t contact me again. You were quick enough to block me before, so don’t start getting clingy now.”
A brief silence followed, and then I muttered, “It’s annoying.”
I wasn’t sure if it was the effect of retirement or the warm, tropical air, but my parents looked healthier than they had in years—happier, too. The lines on their faces seemed softer, their smiles more genuine.
If it hadn’t been for the pressing need to return and finalize the property transfer during the New Year, they probably wouldn’t have come back at all.
“I can handle everything myself,” I told them as I sifted through some paperwork. “You don’t need to worry.”
They exchanged a knowing glance. “Forget it,” my mother said with a gentle firmness. “We don’t feel comfortable letting you go alone. Besides, the Holland family invited us to a small New Year’s gathering. We’ll leave right after—it’s perfect timing.”
It had been nearly six months since I last saw Oliver.
Funny how the person I once believed I couldn’t live without had slowly faded into nothing more than a passing memory.
“Gerry, you’re here! And you’ve become even more beautiful!” Rebecca greeted me warmly the moment I stepped inside, grabbing my hand with a sisterly affection. “Look at you—so poised and elegant. You’ve grown into such a lovely young woman.”
Oliver, standing a few steps behind her, seemed oddly uneasy. Dressed casually in a plain white T-shirt, he offered a tentative smile. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Scott.”
Then his eyes found mine. “Gerry, you’ve lost weight. Have you been working too hard?”
There was a softness in his gaze, a tenderness he couldn’t quite hide—the reflection of the confident, radiant woman he once knew.
I returned a polite smile, lowering my eyes slightly. “I’ve just been watching my diet.”
After dinner and a few drinks, emotions inevitably began to surface. Rebecca embraced my mother tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Finally, she drew a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, “Susan, you know how much I adore Gerry. I’ve always treated her like my own daughter.”
“As for Abigail,” she continued, her voice sharp with bitterness, “she was manipulative from the very beginning. Back in college, Oliver had a little crush on her. She played hard to get—ran off overseas just to make him chase after her.”
“But he didn’t. After graduation, he stayed here and spent all his time with Gerry. Abigail got jealous and schemed their so-called reunion. You know what they say—some people are the best at the game because they pretend to be the prey.”
Rebecca let out a dry laugh. “And that’s when Oliver took the bait. But thank goodness he finally came to his senses. After you all moved away and he couldn’t see Gerry anymore, he drank himself into sickness. He ended up in the hospital with stomach bleeding, mumbling her name the entire time.”
“It’s not too late, really,” she said, her voice softening. “Neither of them is married. There’s still a chance.”
She waved a hand, and Oliver stepped forward toward me without hesitation.
Then Rebecca’s voice grew firm. “Apologize to Gerry properly, right here in front of us. If you have to kneel and beg, then so be it.”
I looked up at Oliver. Time had left its mark on him—he was still handsome, but a little more worn, a little more fragile.
His eyes reddened as he spoke, “Gerry, I didn’t know how to cherish you back then. The truth is, the one I’ve always loved is—”
“Mrs. Holland,” I interrupted gently, pulling my gaze away from Oliver. I smiled politely at Rebecca and added, “I actually have a boyfriend now. He’s kind, steady, and treats me really well. I’ll bring him over to meet you next time.”
