Chapter 12
I once cried over the tears he shed, moved beyond words, believing he was the one true love sent to me by fate.
But who could have known? It was all a lie.
Alaric’s eyes were bloodshot, his pupils unfocused.
“Nicole, after you left, I really wanted to kill myself.
“I saw all the weapons, the guns in the room, and that’s when I realized what a terrible mistake I’d made.
“Everything was Amara’s fault. I never wanted to betray you. I only love you, Nicole.
“I’ve even avenged you against Amara. She got what she deserved. I’ve been trying to atone for my sins to you all along.”
But as I listened to him now, it only sounded ridiculous. He still didn’t. think he’d done anything wrong.
He was still the same cold, heartless Alaric.
I looked at him coldly, not a single ripple in my heart. “Atone? Do you really think killing Amara will make up for what you’ve done to me?
“You should be punishing yourself because you’re the one who hurt me the most.”
Not getting the forgiveness he was begging for, Alaric’s face filled with despair, his mind on the edge of breaking down. “I truly know I was
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wrong. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Please, just come back to me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
“Alaric, I came to see you today for the last time–not to reconcile, and certainly not to hear your confessions.
“I just want closure. It’s over between us.
“I’ve found someone worthier of my trust.”
When I finished speaking, I turned and walked away, not even sparing him a second glance.
Behind me, Alaric kept screaming in desperation.
“Trust! Who are you going to trust? Damian?
“No, Nicole! I won’t accept it. Anyone but him!
“It can’t be Damian! Why him, Nicole?”
I didn’t respond, letting his voice fade into the distance.
As I walked out of the dungeon, the first light of morning was just starting to break. Damian was leaning against the car door, puffing out
smoke.
He raised an eyebrow, grinned, and opened his arms, waiting for me. Without a second thought, I ran to him and hugged him tightly.
Damian kept his word, transferring Alaric’s cash and property into my
name.
He went so far as to put himself down as family, on paper.
Chapter 12
According to Damian, it was simple.
“I’m a live–in husband now. Nicole, you’re responsible for supporting me.”
I slapped him across the face.
He ate me up last night, and now he wants me to care for him during the day?
Get out of here, you damn man!
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