บททั้งหมดของ When I Stopped Running : บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

Jessica's PovThe morning air felt different when I stepped out of the cottage.I wore my usual work clothes. The same blazer I'd worn a thousand times before, my comfortable heels that had carried me through countless shifts. It was nothing special, but it felt like me.Rolda had hugged me at the door. Squeezed my hands and told me to walk in there like I owned the place. I'd laughed and told her I just wanted to walk in like I belonged there. She'd said that was the same thing.The walk to the hotel felt longer than I remembered. Every step seemed to stretch out, giving my mind too much time to wander. I thought about the last time I'd made this journey. The weight in my chest and the fear in my stomach. The way I'd rehearsed my defense over and over in my head.I got to the hotel and walked to the front desk. Clara was there, and she was talking to a guest, her back half-turned toward me. I could see the tension in her shoulders. The way she gripped her pen too tightly.The moment

Jake's Pov"You were quiet all the way back."Marcus closed the office door behind him before placing a thick folder on my desk. The sound barely registered since my attention remained fixed on the scene I had witnessed. I had tried to push the picture aside and focus on other things, but all my efforts had proven abortive.My life seemed to had paused the moment I stepped into that hotel lobby."I asked you a question," Marcus said, pulling out a chair opposite me."I heard you," I said calmly, trying to put a hold to how I felt."And?" Marcus insisted.I loosened my tie before walking away from the window. "There isn't much to say," I added with a tone of dismissal.Marcus watched me in silence. He had worked for me long enough to recognize when I was lying, and unfortunately, he was very good at it."There usually isn't," he replied. "But today is different," He pressed on.I dropped into my chair and reached for the glass of water sitting on my desk. The ice had already melted. I

Jake's Pov"You are staying here."Marcus looked up from the reservation confirmation in his hand, his brows lifting with quiet surprise.I buttoned the cuff of my shirt before picking up my suit jacket from the back of the chair."For three nights," I answered.He glanced down at the document again."You own half the luxury apartments in Manhattan," He added with clear confusion."I know," I responded calmly."You have a penthouse fifteen minutes away.""I know that too."Marcus studied me for a long moment."This isn't about business, is it?" He asked.I slipped my watch onto my wrist and met his eyes."It became business the moment one of my partners insisted on holding meetings here," I said with feigned ignorance.He didn't look convinced."Is that the only reason?" He questioned again.I walked past him to the library lobby without answering.Everything looked exactly as it always had. I noticed Jessica standing behind the concierge desk, speaking with an elderly couple.She wa

Jessica's Pov"Jessica."I looked up from the reservation log and Mr. Bernard was walking toward the concierge desk with his usual calm expression. A tablet rested beneath his arm."Yes, sir?" I asked."Suite 1803 has requested a dinner reservation," He stated.My fingers paused over the screen."All right,"I answered."The restaurant upstairs is fully booked, so we've arranged a private dining setup in the Skyline Room," Mr. Bernard added.I nodded professionally."I'll have everything prepared," I responded."Good." He glanced at the tablet. "Mr. Stone specifically requested that the concierge handling his stay oversee the arrangements."Of course he did, I said within me while I kept my face neutral."I understand," I answered.Mr. Bernard gave me a reassuring look before walking away.Ethan appeared beside me almost immediately."Guess who drew the lucky assignment?" He asked rhetorically."I don't feel very lucky," I responded with a sigh."You know..." he said thoughtfully. "You

Jessica's PovRoman smiled the moment I stopped in front of him."I was beginning to think you'd pretend not to see me," He said calmly.I folded my arms in defence."I'm working," I answered."I can see that." He added, his eyes moved briefly across the lobby before returning to me."Congratulations.""For what?" I asked."For getting your life back." His voice was warm and calm enough that anyone watching would think he was an old friend stopping by."I'm just doing my job," I answered."You fought for it," Roman interjected and there was a short silence afterward."I heard the board cleared your name," Roman started."They did," I replied."I'm glad." He stated, His words sounded genuine."I appreciate that," I said politely."I won't keep you long," He added with a smile."Good," I said and his smile widened slightly."I came because I wanted an answer," He started. I already knew what he meant."The job?" I asked."Yes."I let out a slow breath."I've already made my decision," I