All Chapters of Fragile Desires : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

**Christine’s POV** As I pull into Tyler’s driveway, a storm of emotions churns within me. I stride into his house, my heart pounding with a mix of determination and frustration. There he is, slumped casually on his bed, engrossed in his phone, fingers flying across the screen as if the world around him has faded away. How dare he lie to me! They said he was sick! I should have seen through his charming facade; he’s nothing but a self-centered jerk. Anger simmers beneath my skin as I make the decision to leave without exchanging a word. Just the sight of him, so nonchalant, makes my blood boil. I reach for the doorknob, only to find it stubbornly locked. My heart races as I whirl around to find Tyler’s intense gaze fixed on me. “You didn’t think I was foolish enough to deceive you and just let you leave like that?” he retorts, his voice dripping with arrogance. How dare he speak to me like that! I can feel my frustration crescendo, threatening to overflow. “And who do you thin

**Christine’s POV** I dashed away, my heart racing and my breath shallow. Facing Tyler felt unbearable after his unexpected confession—he loves me. Oh God, how could I respond to that? I fled his house without uttering a word, my mind swirling with confusion. What was I supposed to say? In my wildest dreams, I never imagined someone like Tyler could harbor such deep feelings for me, let alone love me. He didn’t merely say he likes me; he claimed he loves me. Is that what his hesitant words meant all along? A tidal wave of emotions crashed over me, and I wasn’t prepared for it. “Christine, are you in there?” The sound of Steven’s voice pulled me from my tumultuous thoughts. What was he doing here? “I’m coming!” I called back, trying to compose myself as I moved to the door. I opened it, allowing Steven to step inside, his demeanor bright and full of energy. “I have something important to tell you, Christine.” His voice carried a sense of joy and relief, piquing my curiosity a

**Christine’s POV** It has been three long, agonizing days since I last laid eyes on Tyler. I miss him, yes, but the wounds he inflicted run far too deep for forgiveness. He stooped to unthinkable lows just to achieve his desires, and I refuse to be a pawn in his game. My heart is tangled in a chaotic web of emotions. On one hand, there’s Steven—the steadfast love I've cherished for years—now suddenly reciprocating his feelings for me. Yet, rather than feeling elated, I find myself engulfed in an unsettling turmoil. On the other hand is Tyler, whose memory haunts me relentlessly. No matter how hard I try to erase him from my mind, the ache of his absence gnaws at me. Not even the bitter memories of Steven's betrayal of Rose evoke the same pain. It’s as if a part of my heart is trapped in a tempest of conflicting feelings, leaving me utterly bewildered. To escape the turmoil, I’ve returned home, seeking solace among familiar faces. My parents are eager to play their part in the melod

**Christine’s POV** I finally arrive home and allow myself to sink into the familiar embrace of relaxation. Today has been overwhelming, and the conversation between Mabel and my mom lingers in my mind like a haunting melody. I find myself wishing it were all a fleeting dream, a mere figment of my imagination. Regret coils tightly around my thoughts; I wish I had never crossed paths with Tyler. His presence has unraveled the fabric of my life, leaving me in a state of confusion regarding my emotions. Yet, I remind myself resolutely that I have Steven, and that's all I ever desired. Still, I can't shake the gnawing feelings that arise whenever I think of Tyler's relationship with Kelsey. Why does it pierce my heart so deeply? "Focus, Christine," I tell myself firmly. "You need to let go of Tyler. You have Steven, and that’s all you need and want." However, as I reflect on the whirlwind of events surrounding me, the weight of stress begins to wear me down. On top of everything, I ha

Christine’s POV I burst out of the diner, the cool night air hitting my flushed cheeks as Steven trails behind me, his concerned expression growing more frantic with each passing second. “Just take me home,” I implore, my voice trembling. To my relief, he obeys, his silence heavy with unspoken questions. The sight of Kelsey cradling Tyler in her arms slices through my heart like a jagged blade. I can't bear the thought of him with someone else; it feels like my insides are being twisted by a merciless hand. This whole dating charade is so profoundly wrong. Tyler will never allow me the peace I desperately seek with Steven; he has a knack for sabotaging my happiness, and his actions today only confirm my fears. Yet, here I am, left abandoned while he clings to Kelsey. “Who could ever love someone like Kelsey?” I think bitterly, when Steven gently nudges my shoulder, pulling me back from the well of despair I’ve fallen into. “I’m so sorry, Christine,” he murmurs, regret etched on his