Lost in Time 9

Chapter 9 

From that night on, I let go of Leo completely. 

I focused on planning the move to Florida with my parents. 

After wrapping up my job, I threw myself into researching dance studio management and professional training programs. There was too much to do, too much to prepare–no time to dwell on the past. 

By the time I received an invitation to a college reunion, my dad had already sold our old suburban house. The payment for the new place was ready. 

The person organizing the gathering was well–connected, someone who could bring in a large 

friends. 

Leo would be there, of course. 

I didn’t hesitate. 

[Chloe Sinclair will be there.] 

I sent the message in the group chat without a second thought. 

This wasn’t about him. 

I had questions about business and networking, and tonight was an opportunity to ask the right 

people. 

So, as always, I dressed well, did my makeup, and arrived on time. 

It wasn’t a surprise when I saw Leo and Layla. 

Not wanting unnecessary drama, I settled into the farthest corner from them. 

The dim lighting above my seat cast a shadow, making it easy to disappear into the background. 

Maybe that was why Leo, sitting just a table away, never noticed me as he casually chatted with our old classmates. 

23:09 

Love Lost in Time 

4.2% 

Chapter 9 

“Damn, Leo! Never thought you’d actually win Layla over!” 

Laughter rippled through the group, glasses clinking ainst each other. 

“But what about you and your little childhood sweetheart? You really ditched the bro code for a girl? Haven’t had a drink with us in over two weeks!” 

“You two split? Just like that?” 

I heard Leo hum in confirmation, indifferent. 

I remained perfectly calm. 

Sipping my wine, I continued my conversation with a senior from my department, exchanging 

contacts. 

S 

“Hey, remember that bet we had back in college? About how long it would take Leo to get the 

campus queen?” 

Someone whistled. 

“I swear it was a week, right?” 

Laughter erupted again. 

“God, so many guys were chasing after Chloe Sinclair–beautiful, talented, always out of reach. But man, the second Leo made a move, he bagged her in a week!” 

My fingers tightened around the bottle in my hand. 

For a moment, the noise around me faded. 

Then, after five seconds of silence, I heard Leo’s voice. 

Soft, but firm. 

“No.” 

His tone was quiet, but there was no mistaking the certainty in it. 

“Five days.” 

23:09 

Love Lost in Time 

4.4% 

Chapter 9 

I exhaled sharply, as if something inside me had deflated all at once. 

Five days. 

That was all it had taken for him to win me over. 

And now, he sat there, recalling it like some old accomplishment, like it was just another story to tell 

over drinks. 

Then I heard him chuckle, voice laced with nostalgia. 

“You know, now that you mention it…” He paused. “I kind of miss her.” 

I stood up abruptly. 

Before I could take a step, Layla appeared in front of me, blocking my way. 

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