He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Just like that.

Bag beside me. Hands resting on my thighs. Eyes fixed somewhere ahead that I wasn’t really seeing.

My chest felt tight, and my eyes…

No.

I blinked hard.

Not here. So I inhaled slowly and forced everything down.

“I’m not going back there today,” I muttered under my breath. For the time being, I was going to stay away. It was the wisest choice now.

I leaned back slightly and exhaled again, letting the decision settle.

Okay.

So if not school… Then what?

My gaze dropped to my hands.

Money.

I needed money.

That part hadn’t magically disappeared just because my social life had combusted in front of an audience.

I had already tried applying online. That had gone nowhere. Either no responses or responses that felt like automated pity. So maybe… maybe I tried something different.

Something physical.

“I can do that,” I murmured and adjusted my weight, gazing ahead at something now.

The preplanned cafe wasn’t far.

It was one of those places students liked to pretend they studied in but mostly just took pictures of their drinks and complained about life. Warm lighting. Glass windows. The smell of coffee strong enough to make you believe you had your life together.

I slowed slightly as I approached.

And then I saw her.

Mabel.

Of course.

Because why wouldn’t the universe add seasoning to my already perfectly disastrous day?

Mabel was the most popular girl on campus, a gender mirror to Nathan but one who didn’t hide her cruelty.

She stepped out of the café like she owned the ground beneath her feet. Effortless. Perfection. The kind of presence that didn’t need attention but got it anyway.

Even from here, I could feel it.

People noticed her. Not loudly or obviously. But they did.

I immediately stepped back, pressing myself slightly against the side wall like I was suddenly part of the building’s design.

I hid, because I was not emotionally equipped, for Mabel today.

Or any day, really.

But especially not today.

She walked past without seeing me, heading toward her car, her phone already in her hand, typing, posting, sending streaks, pulling

followers.

I waited.

Counted to five.

Then ten.

Then I moved.

Inside, the café felt like a completely different world.

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