He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

I stopped then, and turned. “And is there anything wrong with that?” I snapped. My voice came out sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. “Is there anything wrong with me needing money, Josh?”

He raised his hands slightly and backed away. “Whoa. Relax.”

Dramatic.

I turned away again, starting to walk. He did also.

“There’s nothing wrong with it,” he went on, like he hadn’t just said something stupid. “Except if it’s been like that for years.”

I clenched my jaw, but kept walking.

He continued, unbothered. “It’s a shame, really. I feel like you need a rich man in your life. Someone buried in wealth who can actually stabilize things for you.”

I kept moving.

“Too bad you lost me,” he added. “That would’ve been your miracle.”

I exhaled slowly through my nose. Control. Just control. But I lost it a bit.

“What do you want from me, Josh?” I asked, trying not to raise my voice.

“Nothing,” he said lightly. “I’m just walking in the same direction. Thought I’d keep my mouth busy.”

Of course.

We reached the end of the hallway then, and he turned off in another direction. He gave me a mock salute before leaving and I stood there for a second. Then sighed. Then pulled out my phone.

I called Aria. No answer. So I texted.

“Aria, please where are you? We need to talk.”

No reply. I called again, and thankfully, this time, she picked.

‘Aria- I started immediately. “Aria, please listen to me. I know I messed up. I know I did. And there’s no excuse for what I did, there really isn’t. I just- I don’t know why I didn’t say anything, but I should have.”

Silence

I want the best for you, I continued quickly. “And if you want Adrian, I’ll help you. I mean it. I’ll do everything I can. I’m so sorry I didn’t say anything earlier.”

Still nothing.

‘Aria?” I said softly. “Are you there?”

“Yes.” Her voice came slowly, and it was flat. No emotion. No warmth. Just there.

I swallowed. “Okay,” I said, taking a breath. “There’s something else. And it might make you more upset, but I need to tell you everything now.”

Another breath. “Adrian and I… we live in the same apartment.”

Silence.

“He’s my roommate, I added quickly. “There’s another person too, so it’s not just us, but he lives with me.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want attention. You’ve seen how people react to him. I didn’t want that pressure. But I know that’s not an excuse. Especially not with you.”

Still silence.

I’m really sorry. I promise I’ll fix this, I said again, quieter this time.

Then: “And how exactly do you plan to fix it?

I straightened slightly and then responded. “I’ll start by inviting you over,” I continued. “Tonight. You come over, and I’ll introduce you to him properly. I’ll help you. We’ll figure it out together.”

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