Time Heals All Wounds By Oliver Thomas 35 Summary
Tanner waits outside Addie’s building holding a cake, having found her address through her social media. He confronts her, noticing she looks thinner, and tries to explain that he ended things with Ayla, hoping it might change their situation. Addie, however, remains cold and firm, telling him their relationship is over and demanding he stop coming around.
Tanner becomes emotional, pleading with Addie not to shut him out and begging for any kind of interaction, even if it’s anger or pain. Addie rejects him harshly, recalling how he had called her a crybaby and drama queen despite knowing she was deeply affected by their breakup. She accuses him of playing both her and Ayla and reveals her heartbreak over his true intentions for moving to Michigan.
The confrontation intensifies as Addie recounts the night he ghosted her during training camp while he was with Ayla, expressing her disgust and betrayal. Tanner, now crying, insists he never truly liked Ayla and that his actions were meant to provoke Addie. He desperately promises to cut off every girl and begs her not to leave him after over ten years together.
Their tense moment is interrupted by Tristan, who comes down annoyed, ready with food and dismissive of Tanner. When Tanner questions Tristan’s identity, Tristan steps between them, mocking Tanner and telling him to get a grip. The chapter ends with this awkward, unresolved standoff between the three characters.
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Chapter 13
Tanner stood waiting outside my building, a cake box dangling from his hand.
I hadn’t told anyone but my mom my address–he must’ve stalked my IG geotags.
His eyes scanned my face, lingering. “You look thinner.”
[ almost scoffed. If only he knew I’d actually gained weight thanks to Tristan’s cooking.
I know you don’t want me here,” he began, voice strained. “But I had to try.”
He shoved his phone toward me–a messages thread with Ayla, now blocked.
I ended it with her. For good. Does that change anything?”
No,” I said, tone flat. “It doesn’t. We’re over. Stop coming here.”
lis composure cracked. “Addie, please–don’t shut me out like this.”
le reached for my hand, his grip shaky. “Yell at me. Hit me. I don’t care–just don’t say we’re done.”
snatched my hand back and flung the cake box into a nearby trash bin.
What’s the point? Where was this energy when it actually mattered?”
ty voice turned icy. “You called me a crybaby. A drama queen. But you knew–you knew I was raised being loved. I never cried over anyone until you.”
You told me you picked Michigan for me–so we could be together. I believed you. I was happy… until I found out it was really for her.”
shook my head. “You played us both. And I was the idiot who trusted you.”
‘anner stood frozen, speechless.
That night you ghosted me during training camp? I was worried sick. I fell. I was bleeding. And you?”
My voice sharpened. “You were holding her.”
Addie, I’m sorry–I didn’t know you were-”
You didn’t want to know,” I cut him off. “You loved having your ‘bro‘ who acted like your girlfriend. No commitment, all the benefits.”
slapped him–hard.
le didn’t flinch. Tears welled in his eyes.
You disgust me, Tanner.”
is I turned, he grabbed my wrist, desperate.
I never liked her! Not like that! The posts–I just wanted to get a reaction out of you!”
He was fully sobbing now. “We have over ten years together, Addie… I can’t just let you go. I’ll cut off every girl–I swear. Just please… don’t leave.”
just then, Tristan came down, apron on, expression annoyed.
Tood’s ready. You planning on eating or what?”
! gestured toward the grocery bag. “Take the ribs up first.”
He raised a brow. “You serious? I made tiramisu and Korean double fried chicken. You were begging for this.”
Right. I’d almost forgotten.
“I’m coming.” I said, pulling any wrist free.
15:08
Replaced by Bastard Sister Claimed by million
Chapter 13
“Who the hell is he?” Tanner asked, voice breaking.
Tristan stepped between us, unimpressed.
“Dude, wipe your nose. This isn’t The Bachelor.”
Conclusion
The raw emotions that surfaced between Addie and Tanner reveal the deep scars left by broken trust and unspoken pain. Despite Tanner’s desperate pleas and tears, Addie’s icy resolve underscores the difficult journey of healing from betrayal. Their confrontation is a poignant reminder that love, once fractured by deception, cannot simply be mended with apologies or promises; it demands time, honesty, and self-respect.
Yet, amidst the tension, Tristan’s arrival brings a subtle shift—a reminder of life moving forward, with new connections and unexpected support. Addie’s choice to step away from the past and embrace the present hints at a slow but steady path toward recovery. In the quiet aftermath of heartbreak, the chapter gently suggests that while wounds may run deep, the possibility of healing remains, if only one dares to take the first step.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions between Addie and Tanner, as the raw vulnerability displayed here sets the stage for more intense confrontations. Tanner’s desperate plea and Addie’s icy rejection suggest that their unresolved past will continue to haunt them, forcing both to confront painful truths about trust, betrayal, and the limits of forgiveness. The arrival of Tristan adds another layer of tension, hinting at shifting alliances and the possibility that Addie’s support system might not be as simple as it seems.
As the characters navigate this fragile moment, readers can expect the emotional stakes to rise, with simmering resentment and lingering affection clashing in unpredictable ways. The next chapter may explore how Addie balances her complicated feelings for Tanner with her growing connection to Tristan, setting up a conflict that tests loyalty and self-worth. The subtle power plays and unspoken words will keep the atmosphere charged, leaving readers eager to see who will stand firm and who might finally break.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
