Time Heals All Wounds By Oliver Thomas 31 Summary
In this chapter, the protagonist faces a final, angry threat from Tanner, who is convinced she is still emotionally entangled with him. He tries to provoke her by flaunting his relationship with Ayla, but she is resolute in her decision to leave the country, signaling her determination to move on from Tanner and their past.
Early the next morning, she prepares for her departure, carrying heavy suitcases that symbolize the burden of her past but also her newfound strength and independence. She reflects on how she once relied on Tanner for support but now realizes she can handle life on her own. This moment marks a significant turning point in her emotional journey.
Just before boarding her flight, Tanner calls unexpectedly from Tyler’s phone, trying to lure her back with casual teasing and references to Ayla. Their conversation is tense, filled with bitterness and unresolved feelings. Despite Tanner’s attempts to provoke a reaction, she remains calm and firm, clearly setting boundaries by warning him not to call again.
The chapter ends with a charged exchange that highlights the emotional distance between them and her commitment to moving forward. The protagonist’s resolve to start a new chapter without Tanner is palpable, underscoring the themes of healing and personal growth.
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Chapter 9
That final threat he threw at me struck like a sudden jolt of fury, slicing straight through my calm. Tanner was so convinced that I was still tangled up in his web that he thought flaunting Ayla in front of me would actually get under my skin.
But the truth was, I was about to leave the country. What did it matter anymore what he did with her?
At exactly 7 a.m. the next day, I hauled two heavy suitcases down the creaky staircase, the weight of each one pressing into my arms like a stubborn reminder of the past—each packed with everything I’d need for the journey ahead. I flagged down a cab and made my way to the airport, the early morning air crisp and tinged with the faint hum of the city waking up.
Those suitcases? They were each about fifty pounds—just the kind of load Tanner used to carry for me without a second thought. I used to believe I couldn’t manage a single step without him by my side. But now, standing there with the cold metal handles digging into my palms, I finally understood: I could do this on my own.
I was doing it.
Life without Tanner? I was ready for whatever came next.
With only twenty minutes left before boarding, my phone buzzed unexpectedly. The screen showed an unknown number. My heart sank for a moment before I realized who it was—Tanner, calling from Tyler’s phone.
“Alright, princess. Come downstairs. I got breakfast for you,” his voice came through, casual and almost teasing. “The dining hall’s closed. If you don’t come get this, you’re going to starve.”
“I’m not at the dorm,” I replied, my voice steady and flat.
“Then where are you?”
“At the airport.”
A pause. Silence stretched out between us.
“Addie. Did you hear anything I said yesterday?”
I met his question with cold honesty. “Yeah. You and Ayla are getting real close. Congrats. Hope you two are happy.”
He let out a bitter, disbelieving laugh that echoed in my ear.
“You know what? Fine. Absolutely fucking fine.”
I could almost picture his jaw tightening, the tension radiating from the other end of the line. “I swear to God—if I ever beg for you again, I’m a damn dog.”
I didn’t respond. In the background, I heard Tyler mutter, “Bro, she’s beyond extra.”
Then Tanner’s voice rose louder. “Let’s go. Ayla’s waiting. You promised her those macarons, remember?”
He took a deep breath, almost reluctant. “Yeah. Whatever.”
Just before he hung up, I spoke calmly, my words deliberate: “Call me again, and I’ll change my number.”
A snort came through the line. “Like I give a shit.”
15:07.
Conclusion
The chapter closes on a note of bittersweet resolution, capturing the fragile yet empowering moment when Addie finally embraces her independence. The weight of her suitcases mirrors the emotional burden she has carried, yet she moves forward with quiet strength, shedding the hold Tanner once had on her. Their final exchange, laced with raw emotions and unspoken regrets, underscores the complexity of their fractured relationship—one marked by pain, defiance, and a yearning for closure.
In this moment of departure, the themes of self-reliance and healing resonate deeply. Addie’s decision to leave, despite the lingering echoes of Tanner’s presence, symbolizes a pivotal step toward reclaiming her life and identity. Though the wounds remain, the chapter leaves us with a sense of cautious hope, reminding us that sometimes the hardest goodbyes are the ones that pave the way for new beginnings.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions between Addie and Tanner, as their unresolved tensions simmer just beneath the surface. Will Tanner’s casual, almost mocking attitude mask a deeper vulnerability, or is he truly ready to let go? Meanwhile, Addie’s newfound independence is both empowering and fragile, and the choices she makes now could redefine her path in unexpected ways.
As the story unfolds, expect the fragile balance between past attachments and future possibilities to be tested. The echoes of their last conversation hang heavy, hinting at a confrontation that might force both characters to face what they really want—and what they’re willing to sacrifice. The emotional stakes are rising, and every decision could bring them closer to healing or to further heartbreak.
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.
