No Longer Yours to Break novel Chapter 27

By the time Zoe and Lucian got to the hospital, Eleanor was already outside the room.

Her face was pale, eyes still shiny with tears. Zoe hesitated, then walked over.

She braced for a lecture–Connor being here was partly her fault.

But Eleanor just looked at her for a beat, sighed, and pulled her into a hug, tears slipping down again.

Eleanor’s hug was thin but warm, and it shattered what was left of Zoe’s composure. Her tears finally came.

“I’m sorry… Mrs. Buxton, I’m so sorry…”

Eleanor rubbed her back, managing a small, brave smile. “This wasn’t on you. Connor made his choice.”

Zoe blinked, stunned by the kindness in her eyes. “How did you know…?”

“He never told you, huh?” Eleanor said quietly. “About the dream he had.”

***

Zoe sank onto a bench in the hallway, head spinning.

She never thought Connor would remember their past life too–much less try to die

for her.

Since her rebirth, she hadn’t felt this torn.

She was sure she’d moved on. There wasn’t a drop of love left for him.

But watching him fall apart still left a weird ache in her chest.

It was like staring at the girl she used to be.

The difference? Connor had it coming. And she was finally ready to start over.

***

1/3

Bonus

Connor didn’t die right away. He hung on in the ICU for a week.

The doctors said the brain damage was permanent. Even if he made it, he’d never wake up.

After days of crying, Eleanor finally signed the DNR.

By the time they buried Connor, Zoe and Lucian were already on a flight overseas.

Vicky stepped out from behind the bar, clutching a cup of coffee.

Lucian glanced over and smirked. “Just one for Zoe? Where’s mine?”

Vicky was still a little stiff around Zoe, but with Lucian, she was blunt as ever.

She rolled her eyes. “Order it yourself. What, Mr. Big Shot CEO can’t buy a coffee?”

Lucian laughed, shot Zoe a look, and strolled off to the counter, giving them space.

Vicky sat down quietly, then finally asked, “Is he solid?”

Zoe glanced at Lucian, who was chatting with the barista.

Even in laid–back clothes, he still looked sharp–tall, calm, effortlessly put together.

Like he felt her eyes on him, he turned and shot her a quick wink.

Zoe laughed, light and easy, her eyes shining.

Vicky watched her, lips twitching like she was annoyed—but her heart felt lighter.

She’d taken the money Zoe gave her and moved here alone.

No one knew her past. No one cared.

Here, she was just another woman starting fresh–like everyone else in town.

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