Aww Seven Exes Begged Cute Blocked novel Chapter 102

**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time by Dael Rowan Sire**
**Chapter 102**

As soon as I stepped through the door of my apartment, a wave of determination washed over me. The first task on my agenda was to compile a comprehensive list of everything Jaxson had ever gifted me, along with all the handmade treasures I had crafted for him but never had the chance to present. With a few clicks, I listed them all on eBay, the digital marketplace where memories could be traded for a fresh start.

In the following days, I made a conscious effort to sidestep Jaxson’s icy demeanor at work. It was as if a cold front had settled between us, but I refused to let it penetrate my resolve. Each time our paths crossed, I addressed him as “Mr. Cole,” the formality rolling off my tongue as effortlessly as it would for any other colleague.

I could almost taste the freedom that awaited me once this international project was wrapped up. The thought of liberation made my heart race with excitement, prompting me to book a flight home well in advance. I could hardly contain my glee at the prospect of leaving this chapter behind.

“Summer, are you finished for the day?” A familiar voice broke through my reverie.

A steaming cup of hot cocoa appeared at the edge of my desk, courtesy of Liam Jones, a coworker who had previously lent a hand with a data issue I had encountered. His shy demeanor was endearing as he scratched the back of his head, a hint of nervousness in his tone. “You’ve been working so hard on this project. I thought maybe… you’d like to grab dinner after work? You know, to celebrate finishing up.”

I blinked in surprise, then a smile spread across my face. I was leaving soon anyway, and it felt right to show gratitude to those who had been supportive.

“Sure,” I replied, reaching for my jacket draped over the back of my chair. “My treat. Consider it a way of repaying you for helping me fix that model last time.”

Liam’s face lit up with genuine delight, and he quickly fell into step beside me as we exited the building.

The moment we stepped outside, a delivery guy approached, holding a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers, and handed them directly to Liam.

He took the flowers, turned to me, and sheepishly extended them. His ears flushed a bright red. “Summer, I saw on your Instagram that you like sunflowers, so… I wanted to get you some.”

A few coworkers passing by caught sight of the scene and erupted into playful teasing.

“Congrats! Don’t forget to take us out for dinner once you’re together!” one called out with a grin.

“You two look perfect together!” another chimed in, and I froze for a moment, realization dawning on me.

Wait a second—was this kid actually trying to ask me out?

Just as I was about to politely decline, my gaze landed on a sleek Bentley parked a short distance away.

Jaxson was behind the wheel. The window was rolled halfway down, and his piercing gaze was fixated on the bouquet that now rested between me and Liam.

His expression was dark, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

Without any cars in front of him, he suddenly slammed on the horn several times, the sound echoing in the air, before speeding off, leaving a cloud of tension in his wake.

The project finally came to a close, and it was my last day at the office. A representative from the client’s company arrived to finalize the details.

As we sat around the dinner table, their manager, Marcus Thompson, struck me as a sleazy middle-aged man with an unsettling demeanor. He persistently pushed drinks my way, and on more than one occasion, his hand found its way onto my shoulder, sending waves of discomfort coursing through me.

I swallowed my disgust, forcing myself to endure until the dinner concluded.

Once outside, I realized how remote the area was—finding a ride would be a challenge. My map indicated that the nearest subway station was over a mile away. Gritting my teeth, I began my trek on foot.

As I walked, I noticed the streetlights becoming increasingly sparse, the surroundings growing eerily desolate.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me—deliberately muted, as if someone was trying to remain unnoticed.

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