He Watched Me Freeze Now He Begs For My Return Chapter 17
A month later, Caleb finally cornered me outside my apartment.
He stood in the middle of the hallway, dark circles under his eyes, holding one of the insulated containers I had never accepted.
“I know I was an asshole that night in the blizzard. And before that, every time Paige bullied you, I made you put up with it. I didn’t protect you. I helped them hurt you.”
He took a breath, his voice shaking.
“I quit my job in Denver. I gave up my apartment. I’m staying in Chicago to start over. You don’t have to forgive me now. Just give me a chance.”
“I owe you,” he said. “I can spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”
He stared at me, as if waiting for me to soften.
I looked at him without expression.
“I don’t need that.”
Caleb flinched. “This is my choice,” he hurried on. “I won’t force you. I’m willing to wait however long it takes—”
“Your choice is already interfering with my life.”
I cut him off, took an envelope from my bag, and held it out.
“This is a formal written warning. It’s the last notice you’ll get from me. Do not message me again. Do not send me things. Do not wait near my home or my workplace. Cease all contact. If you don’t, I will seek legal protection.”
He didn’t take it. The hope on his face drained away, leaving only panic.
“But I quit my job for you. I moved across two states for you. I really want to change. Nora, why won’t you give me even one chance?”
I stepped around him and unlocked my door.
“Whether you change or not has nothing to do with me.”
His lips moved, still trying to explain.
I turned back to face him, the last of my patience gone.
“What you’re doing now isn’t for me. Quitting your job, moving here, bringing me food, waiting outside my office—none of that is for my sake.”
“You’re just using my life to treat your own conscience.”
Caleb’s face went white.
“I just love you…”
“No.”
I pushed the door open, my voice calm and empty.
“To me, your presence—your so-called devotion—is ongoing harassment.”
I paused, then told him, word by word:
“To me, you are a threat to my safety.”
Caleb stood frozen, unable to say another word.