I chuckle dryly. “I’ve considered it.”
Lara leans forward, resting her chin on her folded palms as comfortable silence blankets us.
I break it a moment later. “I’m sorry.”
Her brows rise. “For?”
$278
“I know you’ve been in love with Lucas for a long time. I can’t imagine how it felt to find out his true colors.”
She straightens, her lips pursing. “It’s weird. I look at him and I feel…betrayed.” She shakes her head. “It’s stupid. He didn’t hurt me, yet…” She sighs. “I hate him so much. I hate him more than I ever loved him.”
I settle into the bench opposite her. “Do you… Do you think that’s how April feels?”
She cocks her head. “Why would you ask that?”
I pick at a loose thread on my sleeve. “I actually hurt her directly. I broke her heart.” I clench my fists. “She must loathe me.”
and
“I can’t speak for her,” Lara says softly. “But I can speak for everybody when I say seeing you tethered to Valerie St Claire is as wrong as a mouse marrying a snake.”
I snort.
“Why’d you do it?”
I look at her. “Are you kidding?” I point to the house. “You just got a clearer view of what they’re like.” I shake my head. “I have to protect her from it all.”
Lara rolls her eyes. “Does April strike you as the kind of girl who needs protecting?”
I frown. “You forget what happened at the bridal shop.”
Lara purses her lips. “Okay, bad example.” She leans forward. “But, Nathan, you don’t seriously think your family is the worst thing in the world, do you?”
“What?”
She tilts her head. “April lost her parents young and raised her sick sister all on her own. She’s seen more hardship in her life than most people, and look how strong and amazing she is. Her tragedy didn’t break her, and you do her a huge disservice if you think something like your sucky family is what will break her.”
My mouth opens–but nothing comes out.
“She’s going to Paris.”
I blink. “What?”
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18:48 Thu, Oct 16
Chapter 183
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“She’s going to Paris,” Lara repeats. “Mom got her an in with Institut Françats de la Mode to study fashion. Julian is helping her with her portfolio. She’ll be gone by the end of summer.”
The words don’t hit me all at once. They fall slowly, like ice cubes down the back of my spine. First shock. Then cold. Then ache.
Paris.
“Where would we live?”
“What about Paris?”
She’s actually doing it. She’s leaving this place, this family, this nightmare, for something she’s always wanted.
“Good,” I say, but my voice cracks halfway through.
Lara doesn’t say anything.
I glance up at her, forcing a shrug. “She deserves it.”
“You still love her,” she says softly.
“I never stopped,” I reply, just as softly. I will love her till the day I die.
And then, because the truth makes my chest feel like it’s collapsing in on itself, I stand. I smooth my jacket. I straighten my spine.
“But she’s better off without me,” I say. “She deserves it,” I repeat.
“And what about you, Nathan?” Lara looks up at me, her eyes sharp and assessing. “What do you deserve?”
“I…”
She smiles, sad and soft. “I hope one day you stop punishing yourself for crimes you didn’t commit.”
April’s voice rings in my mind. “You’re not the sinner. Why the fuck would you think you deserve to be punished?”
When Lara reaches out and places a hand over mine, I realize I’m shaking. “Before it’s too late.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
