Aww Seven Exes Begged Cute Blocked novel Chapter 15

**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time**
**by Dael Rowan Sire**
**15**

It was Dylan.

If I had to describe him in one word, it would be “broken.” He appeared gaunt, his once robust frame now reduced to skin and bones, and the dark circles under his eyes spoke volumes of sleepless nights and restless thoughts. The scruffy beard that adorned his face added to the disheveled look, contrasting sharply with the confident golden boy I once knew. The boy who used to light up a room with his smile now seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.

As soon as our eyes met, a flicker of recognition ignited in his gaze, and he brightened momentarily. “Ivy!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of hope and desperation.

He hurried toward me as if he intended to envelop me in a warm embrace, but instinctively, I took a step back, creating a chasm between us that felt both necessary and painful.

“Hi, sir, what can I get you?” I adopted my customer service voice, a practiced tone that masked the confusion swirling within me.

His expression fell, the light in his eyes dimming as reality set in. “Ivy, it’s me. Dylan.”

“I know,” I replied, maintaining a calm façade. “What would you like to order?”

“I…” His voice faltered as he stared at me, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’ve been looking for you for three months.”

“Hit every town within driving distance,” I interjected, my tone flat, perhaps a bit too harsh.

“Asked everywhere I could think of,” he continued, undeterred by my cool demeanor.

“I thought you were…” His sentence trailed off, leaving the unsaid hanging heavily in the air.

But I understood. I could see the unspoken worry etched on his face—he feared something dire had happened to me.

“As you can see,” I started, but he was already shaking his head, his expression desperate.

“I’m fine.”

“What would you like to order? There are other customers waiting,” I pressed, my professional smile firmly in place, even as my heart twisted.

He lingered on my face for what felt like an eternity, searching for something—answers, perhaps? Finally, he muttered, “A coffee. Whatever.”

I turned away to prepare his drink, my hands steady and resolute, betraying none of the turmoil within. When I finished, I placed the cup in front of him.

“That’ll be four dollars,” I stated, my voice devoid of emotion.

He fumbled for his wallet, his hands trembling so violently that bills cascaded to the floor like fallen leaves. I didn’t move to help him; I simply stood there, waiting, my heart a mixture of pity and resolve.

Chapter 15

He scrambled to gather the scattered money, finally managing to hand me the correct amount.

“Ivy, can we please talk?” His voice was a soft plea, a stark contrast to the chaos I felt inside.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify