To Be Yours Again novel (Alec and Jenny)

Alec repeated everything Jenny had said to Paul in his ward. "What do you think? Are you prepared to press charges against Stephanie?"

"Did you even need to ask? If I were to do that, I'd drive a wedge between you and Jenny." Paul understood this. Alec was putting himself in his shoes, and he had to do the same for him. Besides, he never really wanted Stephanie to take responsibility.

"Calling it even is pretty great. I wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore." Ever since Stephanie left, Paul lived in guilt and regret. He should be happy to be able to call it even. Alec was a little worried. "You and Stephanie..."

"She's already calling it even. What am I going to do? Force her? You can tell Jenny that I'm not going to bother Stephanie anymore." Paul seemed to be making a decision.

Since this happened, Paul was seeing a lot of things clearly for the first time. He truly no longer had a chance with Stephanie. Nothing he did would change it. She would only hate him even more.

He was just going to give up. Losing her didn't seem like such a hard pill to swallow anymore.

His eyes reddened, and he swiped at his eyes. Then, he smiled. He was actually crying. A person like him, crying.

What a joke.

Alec said nothing when he saw his tears. He was just feeling anxious. "Let it go, Paul. It's time for you to start anew. The Wardleys have been kicked out of the Ten Elites. Without incident, the Wagners should be able to take their spot. You have lots of things you can do, and you'll meet someone better for you." He paused, then continued, "Didn't Melanie like you? I think she's not bad. You can try talking to her since she likes you. What if you end up liking her, too?"

That was possible. Stephanie was pushed toward Leonard, thanks to Jenny, and she ended up liking him in the end. Alec wanted Paul to have a happy ending, too.

Paul smiled and nodded, saying, "What you're saying is easier said than done. I told you to end things with Jenny before and look at what you did."

Alec was rendered speechless. Paul had to go through this by himself. All the words of advice in the world couldn't help him.

Downstairs, Leonard was wheeled into a ward after his surgery. Although there were many wounds on him, they weren't exactly serious. Hence, he was not sent to the ICU; rather, he was sent to a normal ward.

Jenny went in with Stephanie, seeing him on the bed. "You can talk to him. I'll go up to find Alec." Jenny left them in the room, not planning to bother them.

Stephanie said nothing, merely smiling. Then, she went to Leonard's side.

Leonard's anesthesia had not cleared from his system yet, and he was still unconscious. Stephanie was in no hurry. She watched the sleeping man, her anxious feelings from before slowly fading. He was alright, she told herself.

"Don't worry, Leonard. I won't scold you. I know of your dreams and how you feel about justice. I get it," Stephanie said, a smile forming on her lips.

Leonard was a cop, and he worked for the law. He was willing to endanger himself just to catch a few criminals. Before, Stephanie thought that a guy like him wouldn't be able to make her feel secure. But after all of this, she realized that if there was anyone who could make her feel secure, it would be him.