“I mean it this time,” I whispered. “I’m sorry for what I did… but please, help me one last time.”
I heard his deep exhale. The kind that carried more than disappointment.
“It should’ve been me, Val,” he said—the name only he and my mother ever used. “It should’ve been me, so you wouldn’t be living like this.”
I broke down. I wasn’t only hurting, I had hurt him too. I chose Reynold. And now I was drowning in the consequences.
“I’ll wait,” he said after a pause. “But in a month, no matter what you decide, you’re leaving with me. You’re divorcing him. And you’re marrying me.” His words were final.
I clutched my chest, staring toward the room soaked in betrayal.
Reynold had his happiness. Why couldn’t I have mine?
“I won’t change my mind, Damian,” I said, firmly now. “Once the divorce agreement is processed, I’m marrying you. I promise.”
If I could love a man like Reynold so deeply… Then maybe loving Damian would be easier.
This time, I will choose the man who would choose me back.
