Chapter 29: The Truth She Needed

“I know,” Martina said quietly.

“And I’m grateful, Marcus. Truly. You gave me an opportunity when I desperately needed it. You respected me when I felt invisible. You saw my value when someone else couldn’t.”

“But—”

Marcus prompted, because he wasn’t stupid.

“But I don’t love you, Martina,” she said gently.

“And you don’t love me. We have mutual respect and professional admiration. And you’ve been incredibly kind to me.”

“But that’s not love. And I think we both know it.”

Marcus nodded slowly, standing up.

“Does Jordan know what an absolute fool he was to lose you?”

“I think he does now.”

“For what it’s worth, he hasn’t contacted you in three months. No calls. No flowers. No private investigators following you. Yes, I checked.”

“Whatever you asked him to do, he’s doing it. That takes remarkable restraint for a man like Jordan Blackwell.”

Martina’s eyes pricked with tears.

“I know.”

“Are you going to take the foundation position?” Marcus asked, gesturing to her computer screen.

“You know about that?”

“Elena called me for a reference this morning. I told her you’d be phenomenal.”

“And Martina, I meant it. This job is perfect for you. Better than what I can offer you here. Take it. Make the difference you’ve always wanted to make.”

“I’ll even write you a reference letter that makes you look like a superhero.”

Martina laughed through her tears.

“Thank you, Marcus. For everything. For seeing me. For respecting me. For being honest with me.”

“Will you tell Jordan?” Marcus asked from the doorway.

“I don’t know. He asked me to let him go. To build my life without him. Maybe taking this position is doing exactly that.”

“No,” Marcus said gently.

“Or maybe taking this position is accepting a gift from a man who loves you enough to prioritize your happiness over his own pride.”

“Maybe it’s time to stop running from him and start running toward what you actually want.”

After Marcus left, Martina sat alone in her beautiful office with its impressive view.

And realized the truth.

She’d been running.

Running from Jordan because she was terrified. Terrified that Paris had been fantasy. Terrified that his love would fade once the chase was over. Terrified that she’d go back to being invisible once she was no longer a challenge to win.

But Jordan hadn’t chased her.

He’d let her go.

He’d respected every boundary she’d set.

He’d given her space, time, and now—even from a distance—he’d given her a dream opportunity with no strings attached.

He’d chosen her happiness over his own.

And maybe that was the ultimate proof that Paris had been real.

Martina pulled out her phone.

Stared at Jordan’s contact information. Still there, though she’d been too afraid to use it.

And made a decision.

It was time to stop being afraid.

It was time to stop running.

It was time to choose.

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