All Chapters of The Art of Hating You: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Sara's gaze landed on the discarded shopping bag close to her door. She first assumed it was just a discarded bag from one of the hotel staff and gave little thought to it. But she started to understand as she examined it more closely that it was a high-end designer bag and it seemed quite recognizable. It clicked suddenly. This was the bag Austin had been hauled earlier. She had been too preoccupied with their fight to give much attention to his approach toward her with it. Sara's eyes were drawn to the bag, and she walked toward it. Her inquisitiveness got the better of her. She lifted it by feeling the weight of its contents. It was rather weighty. She carefully inspected the bag as she turned it over in her hands. The cloth felt opulent to the touch; the designer logo was splashed on the side. Sara's narrowed eyes considered what could be inside. She opened and grabbed for it without thinking, exposing the bag's contents. Her gaze grew as she admired the neatly organized rows o

Sara strode back and forth across the room, her fury and disappointment spilling over. She had had enough of Austin's insults and his dismissive attitude. She was finished. Her thoughts returned to the chat she had with Ryder on the dance floor as she paced. He had viewed her no one else had—potential—and he had been friendly and brilliant. Ryder remarked, his gaze fixed on Sara, "You're an amazing woman. I think you would make a terrific business adviser. Would you consider coming along?" Sara's heart was halfway to thumping at the offer. Ryder had looked beyond that; no one had ever seen her as anything other than a beautiful face. He had witnessed her intelligence, drive, and enthusiasm. Sara knew what she had to do now as she seethed in rage standing in her hotel room. She was ready to quit her job, leave Austin and his insults behind, and gamble on Ryder's offer. Sara felt a weight lift off her shoulders and a will wash over her. She was about to change and was reclaiming co

Austin negotiated the vehicle amid torrential rain, his hands clutching the steering wheel firmly. Straining to keep up with the deluge of water, the windshield wipers swished back and forth.Sara stayed beside him, arms crossed, and glared at him with a piercing gaze. Austin understood she was still seething from their prior fight and could feel her eyes on him.Austin said, “Stop staring; outside is rain; inside the car temperature is elevated because of you.” Sara's eyes remained fixed, but her jaw tightened in rage. She gritted her teeth; the sound clear in the charged quiet. She said, "You are insane for doing this; how can you be so cool? We could have waited for the weather to clear up, but no, you had to insist on driving. Now we are on the road for 8 to 10 hours though.”With his neutral demeanor, Austin held constant eye contact with the roadway. He did not react to Sara's explosion or flinch. Sara still had anger left to burn. Her eyes darkened her anger and irritation ex

Austin drove away from Sara. He couldn't dispel the vision of her sobbing alone on the quiet road. He had been so enraged that he hadn't paused to consider how his words and deeds could hurt her.He couldn't stop but ponder whether she was safe. What if something happened to her? What if she lost? He felt guilty.He was aware that under pressure, he had a propensity to strike out and frequently came to regret his words and acts afterwards.He considered how he had just abandoned her vulnerable on a lonely road. What kind of man does that?Austin's foot came down the brake at once, and he performed a sharp U-turn in the middle of the road. He had to check on Sara and return to her.He was concerned about Sara, but he was also preoccupied with himself. He had turned into what? Exactly what kind of man had he grown to be? ****Lost in thought, Sara sat alone on the stone. She was attempting to determine how she would return and what she would do. She considered her choices, but everythi

Sara's eyes wide, her lips hanging open in astonishment. She had never seen Austin like this before. She was astonished by the display of his abilities; she hadn't realized he could fight.Austin asked her. "Are you all right?" his voice heavy with worry.Sara raised her eyes to meet his. But she remained silent,Austin tightened his hold on her hand and gazed around. He saw the motorcyclists slowly getting to their feet, their faces twisted with humiliation and rage. One of them was on the phone, requesting help.Austin realized it was still not over. The bikers would be back, and next time they may not be so simple to manage. He couldn't take any risks with Sara by his side. He had to get her to safety.Austin grabbed Sara's hand and began running towards their car without another word. "We need to go," he said with conviction and urgency.After saw everything she was still in shock, her legs seemed to move on auto-pilot. With her gaze on Austin's resolute face, she did not resist