Chapter 26
In Chapter 19 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” Savannah encounters Zane, Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, while shopping. Zane’s confident demeanor and teasing remarks stir up a whirlwind of emotions within her, as she grapples with the reality of their past and her current feelings. The tension escalates when she sees Chloe and Dean together, which deepens her sense of loss and betrayal. Savannah’s internal struggle is palpable as she tries to maintain her composure, even as her heart races and her mind spirals.
As Savannah drives Chloe and Dean home, the intimate moments between them in the backseat become unbearable. Each laugh and whisper feels like a dagger to her heart, reminding her of her own unfulfilled feelings for Dean. Despite her desire to confront Chloe or express her pain, she remains silent, feeling trapped in her role as the supportive sister. The juxtaposition of their affection against her heartbreak intensifies her emotional turmoil, leading to a profound sense of isolation.
Upon returning home, Savannah’s emotional facade finally crumbles. She seeks solace in Roman, who patiently awaits her. The moment she enters his arms, she allows herself to break down, releasing the pent-up anguish she has been holding inside. Roman’s unwavering support provides her with the comfort she desperately needs, allowing her to embrace her vulnerability. This cathartic release marks a turning point for Savannah, as she acknowledges her fragility and the depth of her feelings, finding refuge in the safety of Roman’s embrace.
**Chapter 19: Zane With A Silent G p>
Zane.
The name hung in the air like a whisper, a reminder of the past that I wished I could forget. Chloe’s ex, Zane, but there was something peculiar about how he introduced himself—Zane, with a silent G.
**ہسیन p>
His hair was tousled, more chaotic than usual, as if he had run his fingers through it a hundred times in frustration or thought. The green t-shirt he wore clung to his athletic frame, a perfect fit that accentuated the contours of his muscles. His jeans hung low, relaxed, giving him that effortless cool vibe. The piercings in his brow and lip caught the myriad lights of the mall, shimmering like tiny stars against the backdrop of the bustling crowd.
That grin of his, the one that always felt like a challenge, was still plastered on his face. It was as if he knew something I didn’t, something he was perfectly content to keep hidden, while the world remained blissfully unaware.
Yeah… cocky.
I could feel the tumult in my mind, spiraling out of control. Was I really losing my grip on reality?
“Savannah,” he said, his voice smooth, as if he had been waiting for me to appear.
My heart raced, thudding against my ribcage. What on earth was he doing here?
“Zane?” I replied cautiously, trying to mask the tremor in my voice. “Shopping for stilettos now p>
A smirk played on his lips. “Nah. Just came to check out some… old habits p>
His gaze drifted toward the boutique, where Chloe was giggling with Dean, pointing animatedly at a teddy bear dressed in a police costume. My stomach plummeted. This was no coincidence; they were here together.
“You two came together?” I inquired, my voice barely above a whisper.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “She needed a ride. I happened to be in the area p>
Great. My vertigo always decided to strike at the worst possible moments. The ground beneath me felt like it was tilting, and I instinctively reached for something to steady myself.
Of course, Chloe wouldn’t remain absent for long—not with her ex showing up just like that. I suppressed a sigh, nodding in a way that suggested I was unfazed.
“Let me guess, you’re the getaway driver too?” he teased, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Unfortunately,” I muttered, my voice laced with sarcasm.
His eyes roamed over me, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. “See you around, Sav p>
When we finally exited the store, Dean was laden with shopping bags, half of the boutique seemingly in his grasp, while Chloe clung to his arm like a pampered cat, purring with delight.
“I’m starving,” she chimed, sliding into the backseat with an air of entitlement. “Let’s order sushi on the way home p>
“Why don’t we just order at home?” Dean suggested, sounding far too reasonable.
She pouted, her lower lip jutting out. “But I want it now, Dean p>
“Okay. Anything for you, baby.” He acquiesced without hesitation.
Dean didn’t even spare me a glance as he climbed in beside her, and just like that, they were entwined, limbs tangled together. Chloe rested her head against his chest, and his hand began to caress her thigh, a gesture so intimate it made my stomach churn.
Chloe tilted her face up, whispering something that sent a jolt of discomfort through me. Dean chuckled softly, brushing her hair back as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Then they kissed—soft at first, then deep, then with an urgency that made my heart race for all the wrong reasons.
So hungry for each other, I could hear the soft sounds of their lips meeting, the wetness of their tongues entwining.
Chloe laughed, a sound that felt like a knife twisting in my chest. “Dean, stop. My sister’s here p>
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white.
Get a grip, Savannah.
They were in the backseat, not in some romantic movie. This wasn’t a limo, nor was it a music video. I was mere moments away from slamming on the brakes, just to disrupt their rhythm.
But I held back.
I continued driving, the dutiful designated driver. The ex-girlfriend who was expected to be okay with everything. The sister who was supposed to smile and nod, uttering the words, “I’m happy for you two p>
Chloe’s moans were muffled by Dean’s mouth, his hand sliding beneath her blouse, squeezing in a way that made my heart ache. I stared straight ahead, clenching my teeth so tightly that my molars protested against the pressure.
Every laugh, every whispered endearment felt like a thousand needles piercing my skin.
They were in love, and I was left in the front seat, drowning in heartbreak.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to pull over and confront Chloe, to reveal the truth—that I had loved Dean first.
That perhaps, deep down, I still did.
But I remained silent. Even if I spoke up, what would it change? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
Chloe’s engagement ring caught my eye as she gripped Dean’s hand, which was now inching up her denim mini skirt. Her mouth hung open, head thrown back, lost in the moment as his hand found its target. Her legs instinctively widened.
I kept my fingers wrapped tightly around the slippery steering wheel, fighting the urge to flinch with every giggle, every moan that escaped her lips.
Dean used to hold me like that.
He used to touch me like that.
I blinked hard, my chest constricting, but I remained silent. I drove on, my silence louder than any words I could have uttered.
I turned on the radio, cranking up the volume in a futile attempt to drown out the softcore scene unfolding in the backseat. But it was no use.
Not when Chloe gripped my headrest in ecstasy.
Not when her underwear dangled at her ankles.
And that was the moment my heart finally shattered.
I switched the radio off and pressed the accelerator as if the very gates of hell were chasing me.
It felt as though an elephant had settled on my chest, making it hard to breathe. It hurt—deeply.
Upon reaching home, Chloe stumbled out of the car, giggling as Dean carried her toward the porch. I stood frozen by the vehicle, fingers curled tightly around the doorframe, nails digging in, watching them with hollow eyes as they disappeared inside, limbs entwined, laughing like a pair of love-struck teenagers.
I didn’t linger.
Once they vanished from view, I walked slowly toward the front door, my fingers trembling as I grasped the handle, yearning for my safe space.
Roman. He was waiting for me inside.
I stepped in, and the door clicked shut behind me.
I ascended the stairs two at a time, shoving our room door open with a sense of urgency.
He was perched on the edge of the bed, his eyes shadowed, posture tense. But when he noticed me, his expression softened, a warmth radiating from him that shattered my last defenses.
I didn’t utter a single word. I didn’t need to.
I simply ran to him.
Straight into the arms that I knew would catch me.
And for the first time that day, I allowed myself to break.
I cried.
The sobs crashed over me in waves—ugly, cathartic, unfiltered. The kind that felt like they could crack ribs and split hearts. I cried until my shoulders shook, my chest heaved, and the pain clawed its way out of me.
Roman didn’t speak. He just held me through it all.
I had never considered myself fragile. Yet he embraced me as if I were allowed to be, just for tonight.
He held me like he understood.
He held me as though I were made of glass.
He held me like he would never, ever let go.
In the aftermath of the emotional turmoil, Savannah finds solace in the unwavering embrace of Roman, a stark contrast to the chaos that had enveloped her moments earlier. As she weeps, the weight of her heartbreak dissipates, replaced by the warmth of someone who truly understands her pain. The walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble, allowing vulnerability to seep through the cracks. In Roman’s arms, she discovers not only comfort but also the realization that she is not alone in her struggles. The silent acknowledgment between them speaks volumes; it is a promise of support and an unspoken bond that transcends the heartbreak she has just endured.
As the night deepens, Savannah’s tears become a cathartic release, washing away the remnants of jealousy and despair that had threatened to consume her. In this moment of raw honesty, she begins to reclaim her sense of self, recognizing that her worth is not defined by the love she lost but by the love that surrounds her now. The pain she felt for Chloe and Dean transforms into a bittersweet acceptance, paving the way for healing. With each sob, she sheds the remnants of her past, emerging stronger and more resilient. In Roman’s embrace, she learns that it’s okay to break, and it’s okay to be held, as she steps into the next chapter of her life—one where hope and love can flourish once more.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter p>
As we delve into the next chapter of *Dreams Folding Into Broken Time*, readers can anticipate a tumultuous journey as Savannah grapples with her emotions in the aftermath of her heart-wrenching encounter with Chloe and Dean. The juxtaposition of her painful memories and the warmth of Roman’s embrace sets the stage for a deeper exploration of her inner turmoil. Will Savannah find the strength to confront the tangled web of her feelings, or will she remain ensnared in the shadows of her past? The tension between loyalty and desire promises to escalate, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
In the wake of Savannah’s emotional breakdown, the dynamics between her, Roman, Chloe, and Dean are bound to shift dramatically. With Roman now a pillar of support, will Savannah lean on him to navigate her heartbreak, or will unresolved feelings for Dean resurface, complicating her relationship with both men? The next chapter holds the potential for revelations and confrontations, as Savannah must confront not only her feelings for Dean but also the implications of her bond with Roman. As secrets begin to unravel and truths come to light, readers can expect a whirlwind of emotions that will challenge Savannah’s understanding of love, loyalty, and self-worth. Prepare for a gripping continuation that promises to reveal the fragility of relationships and the strength found in vulnerability.
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.