Chapter 15 Can’t let go
Despite the turmoil in my mind, I listened closely hanging on every word Bradley said.
His voice was low, measured, but filled with the weight of the past. As he spoke, I began piecing things together, understanding how someone like Bradley–a man tied so deeply to the underworld–might have felt forced to prioritize Hallie. The complicated power plays, the family obligations, the promises–it all started to make sense.
But even as clarity dawned on me, so did my resolve. No matter what Bradley said, it didn’t change the decision I’d already made. Our relationship was over.
The silence between us hung heavy, only to be broken by the crackling of the private jet s
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Chapter 15 Con’t let go
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intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We’re beginning our descent into Australia. Please fasten your seatbelts.”
The cabin hummed as the jet began its slow descent. I kept my eyes on Bradley, and he held my gaze, his expression unreadable behind the shadows cast by his dark sunglasses. His face–once a source of comfort–now reminded me of everything I needed to leave behind.
“Thank you for telling me all of this, Bradley. I know it wasn’t easy for you. But it doesn’t change anything.”
A muscle in Bradley’s jaw tightened, his lips. pressing into a thin line. “Ashley…”
Before he could say more, a flight attendant.
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appeared, her polite but firm voice cutting through the tension. “Sir, please return your seat to the upright position for landing.”
The interruption was enough to stop him. He didn’t push the conversation further, though I could feel his frustration simmering beneath the surface. As soon as we touched down, I moved fast, slipping through the crowd of bodyguards and businessmen with practiced
ease.
At baggage claim, I spotted my black leather suitcase and grabbed it, scanning the area for William. He’d texted me the meeting point earlier, but the airport felt. like a labyrinth, designed to confuse anyone not familiar with its paths.
It was my first time back in Australia since I left. Everything felt foreign–the faces, the atmosphere, even the language, though I
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was fluent. It all seemed so distant now.
As I tried to get my bearings, Bradley’s voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding.
“Ashley!”
I ignored the pull in my chest and kept moving. But Bradley, with his long strides and relentless determination, caught up quickly, his suitcase wheeling behind him.
We were now the focus of several onlookers–some curious, others wary. I could feel their eyes on us, the tension thickening with every passing second.
Bradley stopped beside me, slightly winded, his face hard with purpose. “Let me help. You won’t make it to the meeting spot
without me.”
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