Chapter 1758
They parked the car by the curb and stood near the bridge, letting the cold wind hit them.
Callum looked straight at him and asked,
“Keaton, you wanted to be alone with me. Is there something on your mind p>
Keaton frowned, remaining silent for a moment.
Callum continued,
“I’m a lightweight. A few drinks and I’m out cold. If you wait until we start drinking, I probably won’t hear a word you say p>
“Whatever it is, just say it here. We’re buddies. We can talk anywhere p>
Keaton pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a long moment before finally meeting Callum’s gaze.
“Callum, I truly consider you a friend. I’m genuinely thrilled that you made it back alive p>
Callum nodded earnestly.
“I know. I feel the exact same way about you. I view you as a brother. So just spit it out. I’m listening p>
Keaton let the cold breeze wash over him. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
“I’ve fallen in love with Winona p>
Callum was stunned into silence.
Keaton frowned deeply and explained,
“I’m sorry. I know you’ve loved her for years… I didn’t even realize when it happened. By the time I noticed, it was too late. I was already in too deep p>
“There was nothing between us at first. I don’t even know how it escalated to this point. I just p>
“I’ll be honest with you. When I heard Tarquin say you were alive, I was thrilled. But then my mind went straight to Winona, and I felt a suffocating wave of guilt p>
“I feel terrible for doing this to you. I knew how much you cared about her, and yet I ended up falling for her the moment you were gone p>
“I actually considered stepping aside today. But the mere thought of giving her up felt like my chest was being ripped open p>
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do it. I’m no saint, and I’m not capable of sacrificing my own happiness just to play the hero p>
“I kept you here tonight because I needed to come clean p>
“And to tell you that I plan to compete with you, fair and square p>
“I know
incredibly slim, but I have to try
met
don’t want to live with this regret for the rest of my life.” “content
“Is the baby she’s carrying… yours?” Callum asked quietly.
Keaton shook his head. “No p>
“And you don’t mind p>
Keaton didn’t hesitate.
“Not at all love her. I love everything about her, and that
s her baby. If she’ll have
wice that child as my o flesh
and blood
“You really fell hard for her, didn’t you,” Callum murmured.
Keaton flared his nostrils, taking a deep breath.
“Believe it or not, I love her more than I love myself p>
He took another steadying breath and looked Callum dead in the eye.
“If you’re pissed, hit me. Take your best shot. I promise I won’t fight back, just leave me breathing p>
“But once you’re done, the gloves are off. We compete fairly p>
“And if I don’t punch you?” Callum asked. “Does that mean the competition is off?” Keaton shook his head violently.
“No! Letting you hit me is just to let you vent! No matter what happens, I am not giving up on Winona p>
Ever since he received the news of
Callum’s
agonizing
return today, he had been
over how to navigatet
impossible situation.
this
Since stepping aside was impossible, honesty was the only way forward. He had to
be transparent and fight for her openly!
Whether he could actually win her heart was a different story, but he had to try!
He needed to seize this chance so he wouldn’t spend the rest of his life drowning in regret.
Hearing this, Callum let out a sudden burst of laughter and clapped Keaton on the shoulder.