My Guardian's Cruelest Love Game

Holla

his gaze burning into me. "Amirah, stop this. You're being irrational." He cut me off, his voice sharp, dismissive. "You are not family. Yo

stated, his voice cold and

the words still landed like a physical blow. "Leave?" I repeated, my voice hollow. "Where exactly

East Village. It's fully furnished, all expenses paid. You can live there while you finish

ouse. His meticulous planning, his efficient removal of me from his life, sent a chill down my spine. Th

?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. A t

o. A contingency plan. Just in case you ever needed your own space." Th

eticulously arranging my removal from his life, even as I foolishly clung to the hope of his love. The realization was a gut punch, leaving me bre

ming deep within. The pain was so profound, so absolute, it stole my breath. I wanted to scream, t

d, my voice flat, devoid of emotion. I jus

m, unyielding. "First thing in the

rned and walked away, my shoulders rigid, my head held hig

worn copy of my favorite novel, its pages dog-eared and stained. A faded photograph of my dad and Kendrick, laughing, their arms slung around

h," he'd said, his voice soft. "And now, I'm here for you." That photo, that comforting gesture, had become a symbol of

the memories too. All of them. Every shred of hope, every lingering thread of affection. I had

your flight to Boston is booked for Wednesday morning. Your dor

at the packed suitcase leaning against the wall, a symbol of my n

ll suitcase down the grand staircase, its wheels rumbling softly on the marble. Kendrick and C

the least I can do." Her voice was sickly sweet, a thin veil over her trium

ool and even. "I've arranged for my own transporta

brushed mine, a fleeting contact that sent a strange jolt through me. "I'l

was the point of fighting? I was l

s on the road, his jaw tight. After a few minutes, he finally spoke, his voice surprisingl

blur past. His words, meant to reassure, felt ho

rtment... it wasn't meant to hurt you. It was always meant to be a place for you,

ted explanations, his attempts to soften the blow. His words were

his voice softer now, almost pleading. "For holid

se words in the past? How many times had I clung to his casual invitations, hoping for m

flat, devoid of emotion. It was a prac

ning on the radio. A familiar melody filled the car, a soft, melancholic indie song I used to love. He

nestled on a quiet street. He killed the engine, plunging us into a heavy

said, my voice firm. I gathered my sm

voice tinged with something I couldn't place. "You're... grown up.

touching my lips. "Yes, Kendrick. I

thday is next week. I'll come visit. We'll celebrate properly, just the two of us." I

ance. I knew I wouldn't be there. He would arrive to an empty

ce. He waited until I was inside, until the heavy door clicked shut behind

across the screen. "Professor Vance," I texted, my heart pounding with a fierc