Chapter 220
The soft beep of the monitor was beginning to lull me to sleep, but the pain in my heart kept me awake.
Inigo lay in the bed across from mine, his side still wrapped, his breathing deeper now–resting. Healing. And yet, guilt wrapped around my chest like thorns. The wedding. The chaos. The blood. Everything had unraveled before our eyes.\
I turned to him slowly. He stirred.”
“Inigo,” I whispered. “Are you awake?”
His eyes fluttered open, warm and tired. “Hey…” His voice was low and gentle.
Tears welled in my eyes. “I’m sorry.“}
“For what?” he asked, confused.
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“For ruining everything.” My voice cracked. “The wedding… the peace we had… you got hurt. Because of me.”
“No,” he said firmly, reaching out to touch my hand. “Don’t say that.“”
“But it’s true.”}
“No, Sam.” His fingers tightened around mine. “None of this is your fault. You didn’t ask for madness to knock on your door. I should’ve been there. I should’ve–done more.“}
“You already did more than enough,” I whispered. “You took a blade for me.”
He smiled faintly. “I’d do it again. A thousand times. I love you.”
leaned forward, forehead pressed against his hand. “I don’t want to live in fear anymore.”
“You won’t,” he said softly. “Because I’ll be by your side every damn day. No one–no past–no shadow–will ever touch you again.””
For a moment, we just breathed together. No monitors. No IVs. Just heart to heart. And in that silence, I started to forgive myself.
But the door creaked open.
I turned–and froze.
Jackson stood there.
Holding flowers.
My entire body tensed, but I didn’t scream. Not this time.<
He stepped forward slowly, his voice hesitant. “May I come in?”
I looked at Inigo. He gave me the smallest nod.
I sat up straighter. “You’re already inside. Say what you came to say.”
He placed the bouquet gently on the table. “These are… for peace.”
I stared at the pale tulips. Ironically fitting. “Speak, Jackson.”
He swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
My chest tightened.”
“I’m sorry for believing lies,” he said. “For choosing pride. For letting her touch our lives again. I–I never meant for things to get this far.“2
“You always say that after the damage is done,” I whispered.”
He nodded. “You’re right.”
Silence stretched between us.
“I just wanted to say…” he continued, “I see it now. What we had–it’s over. It’s been over. I ruined it. And I won’t fight for what’s already dead.”
He looked at me then, really looked at me–eyes raw, almost boyish in his brokenness.
“I loved you,” he whispered. “But I never deserved you. And now, if you can ever… find it in you to forgive me, not for us, but for yourself–I hope you do.“”
I stared at him. I’d hated him. I’d feared him. I’d blamed him.
But in that moment, all I saw was a man finally laying down his sword.”
I nodded. “I forgive you.“%
A breath shuddered from his chest.
“But Jackson,” I added, steady and calm, “we’ll never be together again. Not in this lifetime. Not ever. You need to accept that.”
He closed his eyes. “I do. I have.”
I studied him waiting for resistance Rut it never came
11:03 AM
I studied him, waiting for resistance. But it never came.}
He turned to go, pausing by the door.”
“I just want you to be happy, Samantha. Even if it’s not with me.“}
And then–for the first time–he left.
No promises.
No anger.
No threats.
Just… silence.
And in that silence, I felt peace settle into my bones.
The next few days passed in a blur of doctors, light therapy, soup, and giggles when I tried to sneak in croissants. He fed me, teased me, kissed me when the nurses weren’t looking. We held hands even through the pain. He brushed my hair and he helped me with my bandages. And every night before we slept, he’d whisper, “I love you.“”
And for the first time, I wasn’t scared to say it back.
When I was discharged, I thought we’d return to a quiet homecoming. But as soon as we reached air smelled… different.<
Like roses.
“Inigo?” I asked as he led me to the porch.”
“Come inside,” he said with a wink.
I opened the door.
countryside house, the
Candles lit the room. Flowers–our flowers–lined the walls, tables, and floors. In the center, a small arch stood, wrapped in lavender and ivory silk.”
My heart stopped.
“What is this?” I whispered.”
He smiled. “A wedding.”
“But-”
He stepped forward, pulling a little ring box from his jacket pocket. “I couldn’t wait anymore.”
Tears welled in my eyes.
He knelt again, even with healing stitches and pain meds,
“Will you marry me today, Samantha?” he asked. “No fanfare. No chaos. Just us, and the love we built.”
I choked on a sob, nodding. “Yes. God, yes.”}
We didn’t need music or an audience.
He placed the ring on my finger.”
11:03 AM
