Chapter 0010 Lauren I pressed myself back against the cold , tiled wall , the chill seeping through my thin blouse and grounding me , if only for a second My breath came in shallow , uneven gasps , and my chest fell too tight , like Id forgotten how to breathe . My heart was pounding loud , insistent , impossible to ignore . I couldnt turn around . I wouldnt . But I had felt him . His presence lingered like a weight presing down on my shoulders , his gaze burning into me even after the elevator doors had closed on his departure to the floors above . Everything in me screamed to look back , to confirm that he was gone , that it wasnt just my imagination . But I knew better . I couldnt let myself . Watching him walk away shouldve been a relief . It shouldve felt like exhaling after holding my breath underwater , like breaking the surface and finally being free . But instead , it left me hollow , as if I were sinking deeper into a sea of emotions I couldnt outrun . I thought Id handle this better . I told myself I would . Sure , d hoped Id never see him again not like this , not while I was hiding but I thought I was stronger now . I am stronger now . Arent I ? I closed my eyes , forcing myself to focus , to find some semblance of control . Hes gone , I repeated silently . He wont look back . Come back . He never does . But the thought brought no comfort , only a bitter ache that hated myself for feeling . Abigails voice cut through my thoughts , bright and excited Mommy , I just met a handsome uncle ! I turned , snapping back to the present just as a tiny figure rushed toward me . Abigails face glowed with a joy so pure it could only belong to a child , her chocolate curls bouncing with each determined step . Behind her , Daphne followed with a wobbly smile , clearly worn out from trying to keep up with the little whirlwind . Abigail , no , I said sharply , my tone still soft but stern . She stopped in her tracks , her big brown eyes wide , the excitement faltering on her lips . I crouched down to her level , feeling a tightness in my chest . You cant just run off like that from Daphne . Especially not up to strangers . And you definitely cant call them daddy . Her lip trembled as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other , clearly disappointed. But I thought he was nice , Mommy . He didnt look mad . I sighed , guilt pooling in my stomach . She was too innocent , too trusting . I hated that . I hated that the world was full of the kinds of people who might take that light from her . How could I teach her that without destroying the very thing I loved about her the way she saw the good in everyone , no matter how unlikely ? Abigail , I said gently , that man might be kind , but you dont know anything about him , do you ? What if he already has a family , or isnt who he seems to be ? What if you upset him ? 25 BONUS Charte 0010 Abigall frowned , glancing down at her maryjane shoes . B he didnt seem unhappy when I called him that . I ran a hand through my hair , the tension in my shoulders spreading as I stood and pulled her into a tight hug . She didnt understand , not yet , but I couldnt help my overbearing worry . I know , baby . But … we have to be careful . She gave me one of her wide, innocent stares , and I couldn help but feel a pang in my heart . She only wanted to be loved , to be seen . A father . I promise , Mommy . Ill be careful . I kissed her forehead , wishing more than anything that I could give that to her , even if it was impossible . We didnt talk about it again , and by the time we got home , I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders . 1 slumped into my room as Daphne followed after me , clearly holding her tongue until we were alone . She had this knowing look on her face . One I knew that said she was finding the right words . Hey , Lauren , you know I love ya But , I cut her off with a smirk and she rolled her eyes with a smile . But youre overreacting , she said , voice soft but direct . Alexander , though it was kind of crazy seeing him there , was kind to Abigail . He doesnt seem like that kind of person . Alexander ? So the man she had ran into was him ? I rubbed my eyes , the exhaustion from the day catching up with me . You dont understand , I murmured , but I didnt have to explain . Daphine knew too much for her not to understand , even if she didnt always agree . I do understand , she said , stepping closer to the bed . But you cant let your past control everything . Youre not the same person you were before , Lauren . Youre not the weak , scared Omega who let herself be hurt . Youre stronger now . I could feel her eyes on me , piercing through the cracks in my armor . She was right , of course . I wasnt that person anymore . But I didnt know how to stop being afraid In episode 36 of ReelTalk, titled "Love Bombing: The Reunion" by CrushReel, the cast of ReelShort's popular unscripted show reunites for a captivating journey. Singles and couples come together to reminisce about past drama, spill secrets, and relive the most memorable moments that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Exploring themes of love, betrayal, and unexpected connections, this ongoing romance series delves deep into the complexities of relationships. The characters' dynamics and interactions reveal layers of emotions and unveil surprising twists that redefine conventional notions of love. What sets this reunion apart is its raw authenticity and unfiltered storytelling. Viewers are invited to witness the emotional rollercoaster firsthand as unresolved tensions resurface and new revelations come to light. Dive into the world of "Love Bombing: The Reunion" for an immersive experience that will leave you craving more. Experience the excitement for yourself by reading this engaging series online at CrushReel.