Chapter 6
I was barely conscious when they took me to the hospital.
Sebastian didn’t leave my side for three days.
When I finally woke up, he was sitting by my bed, quietly peeling an apple, his expression unreadable–the weight in his silence heavier than anything I’d ever seen.
“I’ll marry you,” he said at last.
“I never forgot the promise I made.
I said nothing.
He held out a slice. “I said I’d protect you for life. I
Then came the words that ruined it.
“But Vivienne… don’t make things hard for her.”
>>
I turned my head and pulled the blanket over my face, hiding the sting, hiding everything.
He stayed for a moment longer, watching me in silence.
Then he placed the apple on the nightstand and left.
I knew exactly where he was going back to her.
–
That afternoon, I checked myself out.
Hat low, mask on, I disappeared into the airport crowd–alone.
I never expected him to come after me.
But just before boarding, Sebastian showed up, out of breath and eyes full of regret.
“I didn’t protect you like I should have,” he said softly. “Whatever happens from now on… call me, okay?”
I glanced at him–just briefly, caught off guard.
Then he pressed a card into my hand.
“Take it… an apology… from your sister. She’s got a temper, but… try to understand her, yeah?”
Did he seriously think I was Vivienne?
I nearly laughed out loud. The audacity. I slapped his hand away.
“It’s not too late to undo the mess you made,” I said coldly.
Sebastian stepped closer.
“I can help. New name. New passport. Just vanish for a while–I’ll cover it all.”
Chapter 6
