Chasing His Kickass Luna Back
Chapter 0313

My heart sinks, and I feel a lump forming in my throat. It's like a punch to the gut, seeing him with someone else. I turn away, tears welling up in my eyes. I was so foolish to think I could just waltz back into his life and everything would be the same.

What was I expecting, anyway? He told me that he was holding interviews for a date. Did I just assume that he was bluffing, or that he would change my mind for my sake? Of course I did. And it was silly.

As I watch from my secret corner, Karl leans close to the woman he’s dancing with and says something in her ear. She smiles, her foxen face lighting up at his words. There's an intimacy between them; I can sense it.

Maybe I shouldn't get involved. Maybe I should just go back to the kitchen, return to my work, and let Karl have his night.

And that's exactly what I'll do,

But as I begin to walk back to the kitchen, my head hung low, I suddenly feel hands on my shoulders, and someone shoves me into my office. The door clicks shut behind me, and when the light turns on, I see that it's Chloe and Leah.

They exchange worried glances before turning their attention to me. Chloe speaks first, her voice gentle. “Abby, what are you doing?”

I sniffle, wiping away a tear. There's no use lying. Not to them. “I... I wanted to put on my new dress and maybe attend the party for a bit. But then I saw Karl with his date, and it just hurt too much. I can't do it.”

Leah steps closer, her expression filled with concern. “Abby, you can't let Karl's presence dictate your actions. People are excited to see you here, to taste your incredible food. You don’t need to worry about him.”

I shake my head, feeling utterly defeated. “But it's not just that. I feel silly, wearing...” I pause, gesturing to the gown hanging on the back of my door. “That. God, it's like a wedding dress. I'd be making a spectacle out of myself.”

Chloe looks over at the dress, then exchanges a look with Leah before returning her attention toward me. She walks up to me and places both of her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look at her.

“You listen to me,” Chloe says. “Abby, you're gorgeous, successful, and this night was made possible thanks to you. The gown is beautiful and you deserve to wear it. Are you really going to let your ex- husband's new fling change that for you? Are you really going to let him deter you from walking out there, looking every bit as radiant and lovely as you deserve?”

Leah nods in agreement. “We believe in you, Abby. Don't let this moment ruin what should be a celebration of your success.”

I take a deep breath, my gaze flickering from them to the dress hanging on the back of the door. I begin to realize that it's not just a dress; it's a manifestation of all of my hard work. All of the blood, sweat, and tears that I put into making tonight happen.

And then, my mind wanders back to that little girl, Charlie. The way her chef's hat was too big for her head but it never stopped her. The way she called me her hero, the way she threw her arms around my neck.

Chloe and Leah are right. I can't let one setback derail me. I can't let Karl's presence with a new woman overshadow everything I've achieved. It's time to put on that dress, walk out there with my head held high, and enjoy the party.

With a determined smile, I wipe away my tears and nod. “You're both right. I should wear the dress. And I should go out there and enjoy the party I've worked so hard for.”

“That's the spirit,” Leah says with a grin. “Now... Chloe, are you thinking what I'm thinking?”

Chloe nods, her eyes scanning me. “Yes I am, Leah. It's time for a makeover.”

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