He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

(Daisy’s POV)

I was staring at Josh, my very blissful ex.

And of course he was here because clearly, the universe had decided that everything going wrong in my life wasn’t enough. We

needed a throwback episode.

He looked exactly the same. Same face that used to make people turn twice, same careless confidence, same posture that suggested

the world had always adjusted itself to him- at least a bit. But it used to include me.

It didn’t anymore.

“Wow,” he said, dragging his gaze over me in a way that wasn’t even subtle. “You didn’t disappear completely. I was starting to

think you finally faded out for good.”

I blinked once, taking him in properly now.

Same tone. Same delivery. Same ability to say something rude and act like it was casual.

“I didn’t realize my existence needed your confirmation,” I replied.

He huffed a small laugh, like I had mildly amused him.

“It doesn’t,” he said. “You’re just easy to lose track of. Quiet. Plain. You know… background.”

There it was.

No buildup. No hesitation.

Just straight to it.

This was what I meant by ‘he almost tried to kill me’ because I was busy loving someone who was done with me and didn’t even consider me human.

I nodded slowly now, like I was filing that away somewhere unimportant.

“I’ve been busy,” I said.

“Doing what?” he asked immediately, his lips curling slightly. “Learning how to be interesting? Because that would actually be

impressive.”

I almost smiled.

Almost.

Not because it was funny, but because it was so predictable that it barely registered anymore.

“I’ll let you know when I get there,” I said lightly.

He studied me for a second, like he was trying to figure out where the reaction was. Then, when he didn’t find it, he shifted gears.

“I’ve been doing great, though,” he said, like that had always been the point of this conversation. “Best I’ve ever been.”

“I can tell,” I said.

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Turns out leaving you was exactly what I needed.”

Of course it was.

“I’m glad things worked out for you.”

“I am too,” he said easily. Then, without missing a beat, “Honestly, I’m glad I cheated.”

There it was again.

Clean. Direct. No shame.

“I should’ve done it earlier,” he continued. “Would’ve saved me months of pretending.”

For a brief second, something shifted in my chest. It was not pain- not like before.

It was just the faint outline of something that used to hurt, like touching a scar that had already healed.

I had already gone through that part. The crying, the confusion, the part where I questioned everything about myself.

That version of me wasn’t standing here anymore.

So now, all I felt was… clarity.

“That’s a very honest reflection,” I said.

He frowned slightly.

“Are you not hearing me?” he asked. “I cheated on you and fancy it.”

“I heard you,” I replied calmly. “You just don’t sound as important as you think you do.”

That landed.

I saw it.

Just a flicker, but it was there. So, naturally, he pivoted.

“Whatever,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “Doesn’t matter now anyway.”

I followed his gaze and saw her, the girl he was looking at.

She was seated a short distance away with a few girls, legs crossed, posture relaxed but intentional. Everything about her was

polished in a way that suggested effort disguised as effortlessness.

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