No More Layovers for a Love That Won't Land novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

During her weeks in captivity, Mia had been put through hell. Half–starved and sleep–deprived, she’d experienced every torment she’d inflicted on Freya–multiplied tenfold and without mercy.

She huddled in the corner of the basement, shivering in the damp cold. When the door finally swung open, the sudden light blinded her. As Jasper’s silhouette appeared, she crawled toward him like a feral animal spotting its

last chance at salvation.

“Jasper, please–I’m sorry!” Her voice cracked with desperation. “I swear I’ll disappear! You’ll never see me again, I’ll never come between you and your precious assistant! Just let me out of here, I can’t take any more!”

Mascara–stained tears streaked down her hollow cheeks, her designer clothes now filthy rags.

Jasper stood motionless, studying her face like a scientist examining a specimen. The seductive beauty he’d once worshipped had vanished, revealing something ugly and desperate underneath. How could he have thrown away everything that mattered for this?

The thought rekindled his rage. Part of him wanted to make her suffer even more for what she’d cost him. But Elena and Freya were right–ultimately, he’d been the one to fall for Mia’s act. She couldn’t have hurt Freya without his permission.

He collected himself and tossed down the manila folder. As Mia registered the photos inside, her pupils contracted

in shock.

The images documented the past she’d tried to bury. She’d only slunk back to Manhattan because she’d torched every bridge in Europe. Now her secrets were exposed in living color.

“That’s–that’s not me!” Her voice pitched higher. “These are fake! Someone photoshopped this garbage! You can’t

believe this!”

“It was Freya, wasn’t it? That bitch couldn’t stand seeing you forgive me, so she made all this up to turn you against

me-”

She clutched her head, ranting with increasing hysteria.

“I was nothing like this in Europe! I went to an elite school, had an amazing career, a guy who worshipped me–none of this happened! This wasn’t supposed to be my life!”