Stay For Me Novels & Stories

##Chapter 27: Cassidy Book One: Stay Meet me downstairs ASAP with your hockey bag. I stare at the phone in my hand before typing out a response. Are you serious? Just do it. Bossy much? The eye roll emoji pops up on the screen. Fine. I'll be down in 5.

I said. His throat tightened. I sat across from him again. And simply said: “Stay.” Not forever. Not for a promise. Just…stay. And in that moment, it was enough.

I didn’t even know how I was still standing. But I knew one thing. I couldn’t let him walk away again. Not this time. My voice came out hoarse, broken, real. “Stay.”

“Maybe. And now that I’m here, I realize how much I missed having a family. Even with all the pain, there’s something about being connected to people who know where you come from.” Ayesha smiled. “Family is complicated, but it’s worth fighting for. And I think Priya truly wants to make things right.” Meera sighed. “I hope so. For both our sakes.” A week later, Meera approached Priya in the study. Priya looked up, surprised but hopeful. “I’ve decided to stay in touch,” Meera said, her voice hesitant but sincere. “I don’t know if we’ll ever have the relationship we used to, but I want to try.”

She hesitated. “I’m… I’m staying at a friend’s for now.” Silence stretched between us. My grip tightened on the phone. “Is that friend Frank?”

But just before he stepped out, he turned again. "You're really okay?" I parted my lips. Suddenly, a thin thread of hope rose inside me. "If I weren't okay… would you stay with me?" He paused—only for a heartbeat—then smiled. "Cammy, don't be ridiculous. Rita's still waiting for me at the hospital. Go to bed early. I'm leaving." The door closed. And I finally broke. I cried for choosing the wrong man. I cried for how foolish I was—still holding out hope for someone who had already shown me the ending.

“Especially then.” I lean my head against his arm, just for a second. “I’m not going anywhere,” I whisper. He turns slightly, his breath stirring my hair. “Good.” And for the first time, I’m not just staying because I need to or I am contracted to but I’m staying because against everything I planned.. I want to stay. I want to stay with Alex Bianchi.

After that apology video, Dominic attempted to contact me. "Aurora, I know you don't want to see me, but… I have some words I'd like to say to you face to face, even if it means I'll die." I blocked his number. He no longer had any right to bother or affect me in any way. The next day, the kingdom was celebrating the annual Full Moon Festival at the square. Dressed in an exquisite gown, I stood on a platform as the citizens paid homage to me.

Maybe old me would’ve panicked about letting someone into my space. But right now, looking at her standing there trying so hard not to fall apart— I couldn’t do that. “You should’ve called someone.” Ayla laughed weakly. “I don’t really have anyone.” That settled it. My chest tightened painfully as I reached for my keys. “Well,” I said quietly, “you do now.” Her eyes widened slightly, like she wasn’t understanding what I was saying “What?” “You can stay with me for a while,” I said, trying to sound more casual than emotional because otherwise I might actually cry. “At least until you figure things out.”

“This is just to celebrate her success; the launch will take place some time later next month, I guess.” “So, you'll be here till next month?” I asked, raising a brow. “I thought you weren't planning on staying that long.” “Well, plans change, doesn't it?” she chuckled, and shrugged. “Don't get me wrong. That isn't exactly why I've decided to stay back. I'm staying because of you.” “I can take care of myself, and you know that, right?” I said. “You don't have to worry about me; I'm not some kid, you know.”