Chapter 13

Girlfriend? Did I hear that correctly? A wave of nausea crashed into me as I watched Gemma caressing Damien's face and speaking to him lovingly. Her words didn't register in my head. All I could hear was static as I tried to process what was happening.

I had built Damien up to be this charming, caring guy, but in truth, I hardly knew him. Now I was facing the consequences of being delusional.

"Excuse me," I choked out before running out of the apartment. I heard Damien calling after me, but I didn't care. He had taken advantage of my timid nature, lulling me into a false sense of security. Everyone in my life had always disappointed me, and now he had added himself to that list.

I sat down on a bench not too far from the building. I wasn't intending on leaving since I promised to take care of him to pay off a debt. We had crossed a line we shouldn't have, so the best option was to backtrack to a professional relationship.

I placed my head in my hands, attempting to hold back tears. I