Chapter 103 DORAS POV +20 My foot tapped impatiently against the sidewalk as I glanced down at my wristwatch for what had to be the tenth time .
The numbers seemed to mock me .
I had been standing outside the hotel for nearly an hour now , and there was still no sign of Jessica .
This this right here was exactly what I hated about her .
If she knew she was going to be late , why on earth did she ask me to come out here forty five minutes ago ? The early evening breeze brushed past me , bringing along the sounds of passing cars and distant chatter , but none of it distracted me from how irritated I was getting .
If shes not here in the next ten minutes , Im leaving .
I mean it .
Just as that thought settled in my mind , a yellow taxi pulled up in front of me .
The door creaked open , and there she was Jessica , stepping out like she hadnt just left me waiting in public like an abandoned suitcase .
She looked at me and immediately knew .
She always knew when I was mad .
And honestly , this wasnt even the first time she had done something like this .
Dora , Im so sorry for keeping you waiting , she said quickly , trying to sound sincere as she hurried over .
I couldnt find a taxi anywhere .
I swear , tried everything .
I crossed my arms and arched a brow .
For forty five minutes ? You couldnt find a taxi for that long ? Really ? Her expression shifted into a dramatic pout .
Come on , are you really going to be mad at me for that ? I said I was sorry ! I sighed and rolled my eyes , half exasperated and half amused .
Always late .
Always full of excuses .
Ill let it slide this time , but I swear , this is the last time .
I mean it , Jess .

Fine , fine , she mumbled , holding her hands up in mock surrender as she followed me toward the hotel entrance .
The grand glass doors of the hotel opened automatically as we approached , and we were welcomed by a blast of cool , air conditioned relief .
The lobby was elegant , with polished marble floors , a chandelier that could probably light up a stadium , and soft music playing somewhere in the background .
We made our way to the reception desk , and within seconds , a few staff members came over to help with my bags .
I was too tired to carry anything else anyway my shoulders were still sore from the travel .
Honestly , the vacation trip to Belgium had been exhausting .
Fun , yes , but still exhausting .
Between the long flights , the layovers , and the chaotic tourist schedule , I hadnt had a proper moment to breathe .
But I didnt regret it .
I needed that trip .
I needed to escape after everything that had happened lately .
So , why was I still in a hotel even after returning from vacation ? Simple .
I knew my mom too well .
If I had gone straight home , she wouldve begun with her disturbance the moment I stepped through the door .
No rest .
No peace .
No time to unpack or even breathe .
So instead , I decided to stay at a hotel for the night, just to steal a bit of quiet .
A soft landing after a whirlwind trip .
And of course , I invited Jessica to join me .
Because even though she had a habit of showing up late , she was still one of the few people who knew how to help me unwind .
We finally got to our hotel room , and the staff politely carried my luggage inside , setting it down neatly in the wardrobe .

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I glanced around the room -soft lighting , clean white sheets , the quiet hum of the air conditioning it felt like exactly the peace Id been craving .
Just as the staff turned to leave , I called out , Bring me two cups of tea and some biscuits , please .
He paused , gave a respectful nod , and quietly closed the door behind him .
Jessica , never one to waste time , immediately jumped onto the bed , bouncing a little as she did .
So … she began , stretching the word out like she was about to start gossiping .
How was your trip ? I bent down and unzipped my suitcase , rummaging through it to find my nightgown .
Well , it was better than I expected .
Honestly , I really needed a break from all this .
It felt good to be away , even if just for a little while .
Jessica propped herself up on her elbows .
Of course it was better than expected just look at your skin , girl ! Youre glowing ! Is it ? I asked , half smiling as I walked over to the mirror .
I studied my reflection for a second .
My skin did look better .
More rested , less tense .
The stress from the past few weeks hadnt completely disappeared , but it was manageable now .
Well , I guess it does look better than the last time .
My fingers gently brushed across my cheeks .
That vacation had truly done its job .
A small knock interrupted us , and the same staff member returned , this time balancing a tray with two cups of steaming tea and a plate stacked with buttery biscuits .
1/2 11:36 AM +20 Chapter 103 Goodie ! Jessica said , already sitting up with excitement .
Im starving .
We sat at the small table in the corner of the room .

I poured us both tea , and we evenly split the biscuits .
The warmth from the cup felt comforting in my hands as I took a sip .
Jessica took a bite and leaned back with a contented sigh .
A lot happened while you were gone , by the way .
I paused , lowering my cup slowly .
What do you mean ? Well … one thing in particular , she said cryptically , reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone .
Her thumbs began scrolling quickly , like she was searching for something she couldnt wait to show me .
You wouldnt believe who I saw on my way here , she added , her gaze glued to her screen .
Okay … who ? I asked , my curiosity piqued .
She handed me her phone , and the moment I looked at the photo , my stomach dropped .
I dont know what the two of them were doing together , Jessica said , shaking her head in disbelief .
But I literally saw them coming out of the cinema today .
Talking .
My grip on her phone tightened instinctively .
My jaw clenched .
I thought he couldnt stand her , she continued .
So why is he suddenly out watching movies with her like theyre … friends ? Or worse ? There they were Adrian and she walking out of a cinema together , looking like they had just spent a cozy afternoon watching a movie .
I didnt know when I started squeezing the phone harder , my knuckles whitening .
Was this the same Adrian who had told me he needed space ? The same Adrian I had given a break to so we could both breathe , reflect , and figure things out ? I stepped away .
I had walked away to give us time .
And this is what comes back and see ? The very moment Im out of the picture , she just slides in , thinking she can take whats mine ? Shes highly mistaken .
If she thinks Im going to sit back and watch her creep into my place , shes got another thing coming .
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