My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 471

Tristan Davis had traded his usual business attire for something more laid-back—a soft gray hoodie and pale joggers that hugged his frame. From a distance, he could have passed for a college kid brimming with youthful energy. He ran a hand through his hair as he glanced in the mirror, pushing his fringe back to reveal the sharp arch of his brow.

Behind him, Cynthia Rivera stood tense and miserable, her eyes wary as she watched him. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice edged with suspicion.

Tristan didn’t look at her. He made his way to the front door and bent to pull on a pair of sneakers from the shoe rack. "Work," he replied, his tone clipped.

Cynthia frowned, not buying it for a second. "That's not true. Steven said you’re not working right now. So where exactly are you going?"

Her eyes darted anxiously as she pressed further, almost frantic. "Are you lying to me? Are you going to meet some other woman? Is that it?"

Tristan finished lacing his shoes, straightening up with a resigned, almost cold detachment in his eyes. "It’s none of your business. Just stay here and wait—someone will come to take you home."

His hand was already on the doorknob when Cynthia’s voice suddenly rose in panic. "Don’t!"

She stepped in front of him and, arms outstretched, blocked his path. "Tristan, I don’t want you to go. Can’t you just stay here with me?"

Her eyes shone with unshed tears, her voice trembling, heartbreakingly vulnerable. "Please, Tristan, don’t leave. Stay with me. Please?"

Tristan’s expression darkened. He brushed her arms aside, lowering his voice. "Don’t make a scene."

But Cynthia clung to him, face buried against his chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist as tears finally spilled over. "Tristan, do you really not care about me? We grew up together. You always looked out for me—everyone says so! Even Alex told me you treat me differently than anyone else. When I was sick, you were always the one who took care of me. When my parents weren’t around, you were there. I know you care about me. It has to be those women outside—don’t trust them, Tristan. They’re just trying to take you away—"

Her grip tightened as she rambled on, voice muffled by sobs. "I thought you liked me. I always thought we’d get married one day. Steven, your parents—they all like me. Tristan, please, don’t treat me like this. I can’t stand it."

Tristan’s brow furrowed in frustration.

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