Chapter 69
In Chapter 44 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” the protagonist, Sav, experiences a profound emotional upheaval triggered by a conversation with Alyssa. Alyssa confronts Sav about her past mistakes, specifically an affair with a professor, and urges her to face the painful memories instead of hiding behind sarcasm and humor. This confrontation forces Sav to confront her buried emotions, igniting a mix of fear, anger, and vulnerability. Despite Alyssa’s compassionate intentions, Sav feels overwhelmed and retreats, asking for solitude as she grapples with her internal turmoil.
The tension escalates as Alyssa insists that avoidance won’t erase the past, highlighting Sav’s struggle with shame and regret. Sav’s defensive posture reveals her deep-seated desire to keep her wounds hidden, believing that confronting them would only lead to further pain. Alyssa’s words cut through Sav’s defenses, pushing her to recognize the emotional scars she has tried to seal away. However, Sav remains resolute in her refusal to discuss her past, erecting walls to protect herself from the vulnerability of sharing her truth.
After Alyssa leaves, Sav is left in a suffocating silence, where she begins to process her feelings of betrayal and anger, particularly towards Chloe, who she suspects has manipulated situations to expose her past. This realization ignites a fierce determination within Sav to confront those who threaten her peace and happiness, especially as she contemplates the implications of her past on her current relationship with Roman. The chapter culminates in Sav’s resolve to reclaim her identity and confront the challenges ahead, as she prepares to face the world outside her room.
Ultimately, this chapter captures the complexity of Sav’s emotions—her fear of vulnerability, the pain of past mistakes, and the fierce determination to protect herself from further betrayal. As she looks into the mirror, she confronts not only her physical appearance but also the emotional scars that define her, signaling a turning point in her journey towards healing and self-acceptance.
**Chapter 44: I’ll See You In Print p>
Her words struck me like a sudden chill, freezing my very essence. I felt the warmth of my blood turn to ice, coursing through my veins as if winter had seeped into my soul.
Memories, long buried and hidden away in the darkest corners of my mind, clawed their way back to the surface, taunting me mercilessly under the unforgiving light of day.
My mouth felt parched, my tongue glued to the roof as if it were a physical manifestation of my dread.
She knew she had struck a nerve—a sensitive spot that was better left untouched. But the silence that enveloped us was a fragile one, ready to shatter.
“I’m not here to judge you, Sav,” she began, her voice steady but laced with concern. “I understand you had your reasons. We’ve all stumbled, made choices we wish we could take back. I know you regret what happened, but p>
“That’s enough.” I raised my hand, a gesture of finality. “I need a moment alone. Please p>
Alyssa turned to face me fully, her expression shifting. “Wait, are you seriously kicking me out of your room right now p>
“Please, Alyssa. You’ve said more than enough already p>
Her lips parted, as if she were about to unleash a torrent of words, but they faltered, caught in the web of her thoughts. Slowly, she rose from her seat, her gaze pinning me in place—a mix of pity and challenge swirling in her eyes.
“You can’t just ignore this topic and expect it to vanish, Sav. It won’t. Sure, I made a mistake, but I’m not going to pretend it never happened. Emily is proof of that wrong turn I took in my life.” She pressed on, her voice firm yet compassionate.
“Sometimes, the only way to find closure is to confront the challenge head-on. It takes guts, you know? That’s basic therapy 101 p>
I let out a scoff, bitterness lacing my tone. “Good thing I’ve never been one to bare my soul to strangers p>
“Exactly. You hide behind your jokes and sarcasm so that no one can see the real you—the one that’s bleeding inside.” Her words were sharp, cutting through the layers I had built around myself.
But she didn’t understand. I wasn’t bleeding. I was keeping the wound sealed tight, determined to never let it fester again.
“You had an affair with your professor while he was still married. That doesn’t mean you have to wear it like a crown of shame for the rest of your life,” she said, her voice softening but still resolute.
I folded my hands over my knees, my heart racing. “You don’t know anything about what really happened.” My tone was final, a wall rising between us.
“I know enough,” she insisted, her gaze unwavering.
Raising my hand again, I sought to end this conversation. “Alyssa, please p>
She nodded slowly, as if she had come to terms with the fact that I would never confront this issue in the way she hoped.
“I’ll go. But just know that I love you, and I’m looking out for you p>
Why does everyone insist on saying that right before they do exactly what I don’t want them to do?
“I don’t want you to hurt yourself,” she added, her voice thick with concern. “And right now, that’s exactly what you’re doing. I’m here for you, Sav. Always. Don’t forget that p>
With a final, forceful slam, she shut the door behind her, leaving me in a suffocating silence. I could finally breathe.
I exhaled in shaky bursts, struggling to calm the tremors that had taken residence in my hands. My chest felt constricted, as if caught in a vice grip.
She had said it so casually, as if it were a simple matter to address.
When Roman had brought up Professor Kingston during the game, I had been swept away in a tide of pleasure, finding it easier to dodge the truth than confront it.
And he hadn’t asked with the knowledge of my past; he had asked like someone in this house had whispered something to him.
And I knew it was Chloe.
No one wears a smile, adorned with the matching bracelet you gifted them, while plunging a knife into your back… unless they’re Chloe Hart.
I was certain she was the architect of this betrayal.
And now? I didn’t care what Roman thought. If Chloe and Dean were scheming individually to tear us apart, then I was ready to serve them a taste of their own medicine.
And if she believed she could casually mention Professor Kingston to my fiancé without facing repercussions? She was sorely mistaken.
With a surge of determination, I pulled myself up from the bed and made my way to the bathroom, desperate to fix my appearance—transforming from a ghostly figure back into a person.
In the bathroom, I gripped the counter tightly, leaning in until my reflection met my gaze, challenging me to confront the truth. My eyes were rimmed with red, my cheeks blotchy—a portrait of vulnerability that I refused to carry into that backyard.
In the aftermath of Alyssa’s departure, a profound stillness enveloped me, punctuated only by the echoes of her words that refused to fade. The confrontation had cracked open a door I had long kept bolted, revealing the shadows of my past that I had meticulously buried. Yet, instead of succumbing to the weight of regret, a flicker of resolve ignited within me. I realized that the pain of my history, once a source of shame, could be transformed into a weapon of empowerment. Alyssa’s insistence on facing the truth resonated deep within, urging me to reclaim my narrative rather than allowing others to dictate it. As I stood before my reflection, the specter of my former self began to dissolve, making way for a version of me that could rise from the ashes of betrayal.
With newfound clarity, I understood that my journey was not merely about confronting the ghosts of the past but about asserting my strength in the face of adversity. The betrayal I felt from Chloe and Dean was no longer a shackle but a catalyst for action. I would not be a passive victim in this unfolding drama; instead, I would take control of my story. The determination coursing through me was palpable, fueling my resolve to confront those who had conspired against my happiness. With each breath, I felt the icy grip of fear loosening, replaced by a fierce desire to protect what was mine. As I stepped away from the mirror, I was no longer just Sav; I was a force to be reckoned with, ready to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter p>
As the tension between Sav and Alyssa simmers, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of their confrontation. Sav’s determination to confront the betrayal she feels from Chloe and Dean will ignite a fierce resolve within her. Readers can expect a thrilling escalation as Sav navigates the treacherous waters of her relationships, armed with newfound clarity and a desire for retribution. The stakes are higher than ever, and Sav’s transformation from a ghostly figure into a force to be reckoned with will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, the intricate web of deceit and hidden agendas will begin to unravel. With Chloe’s manipulations looming large, Sav’s quest for the truth will lead her to unexpected encounters and revelations that could change everything. Will she confront Chloe directly, or will she devise a cunning plan to expose the betrayal? The impending clash promises to be explosive, filled with raw emotion and the potential for shocking twists. As Sav prepares to reclaim her narrative, the chapter will leave readers breathless, eagerly anticipating the fallout from her choices and the looming confrontation that could alter the course of her life forever.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.