The Stolen Boyfriend

Chapter 29| Back Away or Move Closer?

Emma:

I began working at a very young age. I wanted to study more, hang out with my friends, and date someone if that was even possible, but I had no one to look after me, so I had to look after myself. 

I was lucky to meet Laura, who changed my life. She was a sweet and generous woman who saw potential in me. She encouraged me to follow my dreams and helped me in finding opportunities to continue my education. I was able to attend college thanks to her support. 

Despite having a degree that would allow me to work wherever I chose, I decided to work with her to repay at least some of what she had done to me. 

When she left two years ago, I knew she expected me to find a better job and live a successful life. I won't deny that I tried to move on, but I couldn't because she wasn't there. 

I was sick of seeing others around me act like they loved me because I was in a superior position than them, but behind my back, they all laughed at me and said I didn't deserve to work in such an important position. 

After I left that company, I began looking for her and found her easily. She was happy. I remember the first time I saw her again. She was in a cafe with a man, Kyle, and they had a laptop and papers on the table, and I knew right away that she had found the one she was looking for; she had found the perfect partner who would help her start the business of her dreams. 

As I watched them from a distance, I couldn't help but feel delighted for her. She had always wanted to establish her own business, and now, with Kyle at her side, she could finally make it happen. 

I missed her and her encouraging words. They were the only things that motivated me, and I never felt lonely when she was present. 

Everything has changed now that she has returned and we are working together. Even though running a business is exhausting, we are working hard and getting the recognition that we deserve. 

I smiled as I realized I was getting close to the shop. I parked in front of it and opened the door to walk inside. 

"I won't let you in unless you wish me a happy birthday." I looked up to see Kyle smirking as he blocked my way out of the car. He hasn't spoken to me in weeks after I asked Laura to talk to him. 

For some reason, I felt angrier and more annoyed after he stopped following me around. My heart feels strange when I watch how his eyes shine as he looks at me. 

I find it hard to forget him because I miss how things used to be between us. I miss the way he smiled, laughed, and looked at me. But unfortunately, I can't change anything between us because it feels like there's a wall between us. 

"I'm still waiting." His smirk grew wider as he leaned in and placed his arm on the roof of my car. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at him. I knew I couldn't resist his charm for long. I need to look away. 

"What day is it again?" I turned my focus to my phone and checked the date. That's when Laura texted me. 

Laura: I forgot to tell you that we have planned a surprise for Kyle. I'm in front of the shop, and we need to get started on the surprise. 

My phone rang again. 

Laura: Where is he now? Can you distract him? 

I looked up and noticed that she and Ryker were a few feet away from my car, then I looked at him. I have to act quickly before he sees them. What should I do? 

"Why are you looking..." I needed to distract him before he saw Laura and Ryker and realized they were planning a birthday surprise. I laid on the passenger seat and pulled him on top of me. 

I could feel his weight pressing down on me. My hands were on his chest, and I could feel his heart racing so quickly. 

I slowly opened my eyes and noticed we were kissing. Does that even count as a kiss? He had his lips close to mine, and I could feel his breath on them. They were touching but never moving. The electricity between us was undeniable, and I could feel my heart racing almost as quickly as his. 

I couldn't decide whether to back away or get even closer, so I looked him in the eyes. His eyes begged me to do something—anything that would put an end to our confusion. 

He had the chance to pull away, but he never did. He really wants it. I smirked as an idea hit me. If he wants it, he should do it, not me. 

I pulled him away as I glanced out my car's window; they weren't there. I sighed as I realized they were safe. I returned my gaze to him, and he was gone; he had left. That feeling of disappointment hit me once more. 

I got out of my car and headed inside the shop. Laura and Ryker were standing in front of a cake in the middle of the decorated entrance, but there was no sign of him. Should I go look for him now? I sighed and started walking outside, but he came in right before I could even step outside. 

"Surprise!" Laura shouted, smiling. When I looked at him, he was smiling back at Laura, but I knew it was a fake one. Is he disappointed because we didn't kiss? 

I stepped outside and directly to my car, then drove somewhere I have no idea where, but when I saw a store, I knew it was the place I was looking for. I pulled over and went there. 

When I returned to the shop, they were eating the cake. I approached him and handed him his present. 

"Happy birthday, Kyle." I smiled as he took the bag. He looked inside and then back at me. He began giggling after taking his present outside. 

I gave him a book titled "How to Get a Girl to Like You Without Being Annoying." Kyle's laughter echoed through the air as he flipped over the pages of the book. I could see the amusement in his eyes as he read the title again. 

"Thanks, this is hilarious," he responded, smiling. 

"Now we'll see if this book can make me fall in love with you." I grinned. He glanced at me with wide eyes, and I noticed a faint blush forming on his cheeks after hearing my remarks. I need to change this topic. 

"What flavor is this cake?" I asked Laura, who was smiling beside us.  

"Chocolate." She replied, and I immediately cut a large slice and began eating. 

We chatted as we devoured that delicious chocolate cake. The conversation went from one topic to another, and we found ourselves laughing and enjoying each other's company.  

The evening went by in a blur of delicious food and great conversation. As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but be thankful for the wonderful people in my life. 

As soon as I entered my room, I threw myself on my bed and started thinking about everything that had happened today.  

Am I finally going to date someone? Will he be able to make all my romantic fantasies come true? 

As I fell off to sleep, I felt at ease, knowing that I now have a family who cherishes and loves me unconditionally. 

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A/N: Thank you so much for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading it.

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