Delete, Block, Move On: Your Little Crybaby Upgraded to Untouchable Queen novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Tanner stood waiting outside my building, a cake box dangling from his hand.[]

I hadn’t told anyone but my mom my address–he must’ve stalked my IG geotags.]

His eyes scanned my face, lingering. “You look thinner.“]

I almost scoffed. If only he knew I’d actually gained weight thanks to Tristan’s cooking.]

“I know you don’t want me here,” he began, voice strained. “But I had to try.“[]

He shoved his phone toward me–a messages thread with Ayla, now blocked.]

ended it with her. For good. Does that change anything?“]]

“No,” I said, tone flat. “It doesn’t. We’re over. Stop coming here.“]

His composure cracked. “Addie, please–don’t shut me out like this.”

He reached for my hand, his grip shaky. “Yell at me. Hit me. I don’t care–just don’t say we’re done.“[]

I snatched my hand back and flung the cake box into a nearby trash bin.

“What’s the point? Where was this energy when it actually mattered?”

My voice turned icy. “You called me a crybaby. A drama queen. But you knew–you knew I was raised being loved. I never cried over anyone until you.”

“You told me you picked Michigan for me–so we could be together. I believed you. I was happy… until I found out it was really for her.”

I shook my head. “You played us both. And I was the idiot who trusted you.‘

Tanner stood frozen, speechless.[]

“That night you ghosted me during training camp? I was worried sick. I fell. I was bleeding. And you?“]

My voice sharpened. “You were holding her.”

“You didn’t want to know,” I cut him off. “You loved having your ‘bro‘ who acted like your girlfriend. No commitment, all the benefits.”

Chapter 13

“I never liked her! Not like that! The posts–I just wanted to get a reaction out of you!“]

He was fully sobbing now. “We have over ten years together, Addie… I can’t just let you go. I’ll cut off every girl–I swear. Just please… don’t leave.“]]

“Food’s ready. You planning on eating or what?“]]

I gestured toward the grocery bag. “Take the ribs up first.“[]

He raised a brow. “You serious? I made tiramisu and Korean double–fried chicken. You were begging for this.“[]

Right. I’d almost forgotten.]]

“I’m coming,” I said, pulling my wrist free.]]

“Who the hell is he?” Tanner asked, voice breaking.]

Tristan stepped between us, unimpressed.]

“Dude, wipe your nose. This isn’t The Bachelor.“]]

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