Chapter 4
Same old story. That’s how men are. They commit mistakes, they realize when they do it and they always apologize–never change.
Wyatt knew Sloan was a clean freak and she hated people touching her stuff, yet he still brought someone into their home and let them touch her personal things.
Was it all for the thrill of it? Testing the waters again and again, pushing her limits just to get her on edge? Did he really not know?
That nightgown was her favorite the one she had blushed over when he first bought it for her. He had been so young and earnest back then, whispering in her ear over and over, “I love you, Sloan. Having you is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me. I swear I’ll never let you down.”
And she had believed him–thought her Cinderella moment had finally come. But not every Cinderella gets her prince.
If she weren’t the daughter of the wealthy Tanner Family, they would’ve split up a long time
ago.
Tears spilled down Sloan’s cheeks. Wyatt panicked, fumbling to wipe them away. “Oh, no. Please, don’t cry. Seeing you cry hurts me more than anything. I swear I’ll never let anyone. else into our home again, okay?”
Wyatt’s voice trembled with sincerity as he knelt on the floor, his hands clutching hers like a lifeline. His eyes were wide with desperation, silently begging for her forgiveness. Sloan studied his remorseful face for a long moment, then smiled faintly through her tears. That’s alright. It’s just a nightgown. I’ll throw it away. Not a big deal.” Her tone was calm, almost too calm. “While I was tidying up, I suddenly remembered that my mother’s death anniversary is coming. I guess I got a little carried away.”
“You scared me for a second there,” Wyatt said, exhaling sharply. He pressed a hand to his chest as if trying to steady his racing heart. His tone softened, almost childlike. “When you started packing without saying anything, I thought you were leaving me.”
He nuzzled her neck, his arms tightening around her as if afraid she might slip away.
“I promised you, didn’t I?” Sloan said softly, pushing him away with gentle firmness. “Ast long as you don’t betray me, I’ll never leave you.”
Her voice sharpened slightly as she added, “By the way, why are you so nervous? Are you hiding something from me? Did you cheat on me?”
Wyatt’s breath hitched. His eyes widened in alarm. “Of course not! You’re the only love of my life, Sloan,” He quickly held up his hand, his voice trembling. “You have to believe me I swear to God–if I ever betray you, may I die alone and miserable!”
Then she chuckled softly. “I’m just messing with you,” she said, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement. A soft laugh slipped past her lips. “You love me too much to betray me.” But deep down, she knew better. Men are greedy. They want the comfort of home and the
thrill of something new. Lies come so easily to them.
2/2
51 03
She wondered if, when the day finally came, he would feel even the slightest trace of rega Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze darting away “Yeah, you’re the only one 1 love? The tense moment was broken by the sound of something heavy crashing to the floor downstairs, followed by Carol’s delicate sobbing. Wyatt’s expression remained calm, but his body tensed.
“I’m going to check it,” Wyatt said baring light smile. “Please, stop crying, okay? Or you’ll get your eyes swollen and you won’t look good for the wedding”
Sloan nodded wordlessly and he left the room. His steps were quick and slightly uneven–a subtle giveaway of his guilt.
Sloan had no intention of going downstairs to watch them play out their little drama.
But the noise from below was impossible to ignore.
First, someone shouted for a private doctor. Then, there was talk of possible amputation It all sounded like a full–blown emergency.
Curiosity got the better of her.
When she walked downstairs, she found Carol sitting on the couch, her foot propped up on Wyatt’s lap. Her ankle had a faint bruise–barely enough to warrant a bandaid.
Yet Wyatt was handling it as if she were made of glass. He cradled her foot with both hands, gently massaging the injured spot, his face lined with worry.
Carol’s cheeks were flushed, her breath coming out in soft gasps.
* 07:53 Sun, 30 Mar
