Starting Over Without You Novels & Stories

“I’ll be back lots of times. And we’ll get to eat all the ice cream we want. What do you think about that, huh?” At this, he lit up. “Promise?” I gave him an emotional smile. “Promise.” Now that the goodbyes were complete, I guess I had to leave. Start over with a clean slate. I strongly believe that starting over in Stanton City will be better, I’ll be able to put everything behind me and start over on a clean slate.

“But we also need to remember that this isn’t a normal situation. We’re still figuring things out.” “True,” Aiden nodded, understanding the complexity of it all. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, right? We can start small, like this. Eventually, things might feel more comfortable.” Dea attempted a smile, though her feelings remained conflicted. “I hope so,” she said softly. They continued their breakfast, occasionally stealing glances at one another, though their eyes quickly darted away whenever they made contact. The awkwardness between them somehow added an odd layer of intimacy to the moment.

“Maybe I am. Or maybe I’ve just lost enough to know the price.” Nico met his gaze. “Could you help me? Show me how to start over?” Enzo leaned forward. “If you’re serious—if you’re really ready to walk away—I’ll help you. I’ll talk to Federico. We’ll find a way.” A breath left Nico’s chest like he’d been holding it for years. “I don’t know what that looks like, starting fresh. I’ve never done anything else.” “It looks like waking up without fear. Like building something that won’t blow up in your face every five minutes. It looks like hope.”

The pain was unbearable, but something ignited within me. Alice walked in, excited, gesturing around the small but cozy living room. “Reese, you won’t believe the amazing things we can do here! There’s an incredible park nearby, the best coffee in town. We can start fresh—you, this little one, and me.” I forced a smile, my voice faltering. “I don’t know how to start over, Alice. Elliot let Jennifer take everything. Sammy thinks I abandoned him.”

The distant sounds of the city started to creep back, mingling with the low buzz of a television somewhere down the hall—news coverage, no doubt. I opened my eyes fully, the sunlight warming my skin, and met Ryan’s gaze once more. In that moment, I realized something important: no matter how hard the past had been, no matter the pain, no matter the betrayals, this—right here—was our chance to start over. And I wasn’t going to let it slip away. ---

Other than the clothes and daily necessities, I did not take anything else with me. I had already rented a place somewhere else. I would like to have minimal contact with the pair of father and son in the days leading up to the official divorce. One of them was a man who had been cheating on me for decades. The other was a boy I had raised my entire life only to have him betray me. Looking back at the first half of how my life went, I feel like a failure. Before leaving, Arthur reached forward and took my arm. For the first time in the last few days, he had spoken to me in an apologetic tone, “We have lived together for most of our lives, are you going to leave this family we have built toge

I imagined him happy with the person he truly loved, and the thought alone made it hard to breathe. So this is what it feels like. To let go. To walk away. To start over. “I’ll just enjoy my new life… without them.” Without him. Even if it hurts. Even if it takes everything in me. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before heading toward the door. Tonight, I would face a new chapter. And somehow, I had to learn how to live in it. ****** LMCD22

The nurse wheeled me back to my room, reminding me, "You're weak and need to rest properly." I nodded. "Thanks." Once the door clicked shut, I grabbed my phone from under the pillow and called my mom. "I'm getting divorced. I'll be home in three days," I said. "Did Jake hurt you?" she asked. "I'm coming for him." Unwilling to upset her, I lied, "No. I just want a fresh start."

Jenna did not even look back when she left. Fireworks faded away quickly, and it was hard to return to the past. From the moment Matthew betrayed her, her relationship with him could no longer be restored.

Finish what you started before you lose your mind.