I didn't get it. If he couldn't bear to hurt her, why did he say those harsh words?
"You may leave. Don't come to Claire again. I've already gone easy on you. Don't push it," Hawkins said.
Maria wiped off her tears and declared firmly, "Hawk, I won't give up on you. Although you're turning em away, I'll come to you tomorrow. I'm the one you love. She is just a stand-in!"
I was taken aback by Maria's audacity.
She was more shameless than I had thought.
Maria shot me a resentful glance.
Covering her mouth, she left with a pitiful look on her face.
Hawkins watched her receding figure, sadness and agony gnawing at him.
I cleared my throat and spoke up. "She is gone. Can you let go of me now?"
As soon as he let go, I got out of his arms.
Hawkins regained his composure, being the wild and cool man I was familiar with.
"I don't give a shit about what you had. But please honor the agreement and don't cheat in our marriage," I reminded.
He replied indifferently, "It won't work between me and her."
I didn't believe it.
I could tell by their interaction that Hawkins once was in love with Maria.
But she must have done something that made his affection fade.