Chapter 319
I let out a soft breath and shrug. “Someone who is still obsessed with his dead wife p>
He shakes his head slightly, like he’s trying to wrap his mind around the situation.
“So today… his parents just found out by accident p>
I nod. “Yeah… it slipped out while we were arguing p>
His brows pull together. “Arguing about what? Because I swear, if he was upsetting you, I’ll find him right now and put him in the fucking ground p>
I reach up and peck his lips.
“My hero,” I tease softly. “He did upset me, but not like that… It was more about him apologizing for the past. Apparently, he realized he was wrong about how he treated me p>
“Jesus,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair. “You’ve known each other since you were kids, and now is when he decides to apologize p>
“Hmm… apparently his wife tricked him and made him believe a bunch of lies about me,” I say with a small shrug. “But it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s too late for him to make amends p>
For a moment he just sits there, staring at the floor, clearly piecing things together. Then his gaze lifts back to me.
“I’m proud of you.” His hand gently lifts my chin so I’m looking at him and says it firmly, “You handled it well p>
Something tightens in my chest.
“Well… technically my mom handled things for me,” I admit with a faint smile. “You should’ve seen her. She was ready to throw hands p>
He laughs softly.
“I don’t doubt that for a second. But I didn’t just mean today.” His expression turns serious again. “You’ve been handling everything well. Better than most people in your situation would p>
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I needed to hear that… because sometimes it feels like I’m screwing everything up. And with how things exploded today, that feeling was really heavy p>
“You’re not screwing up, Sierra,” he says quietly. “You’re navigating a situation most people wouldn’t survive without breaking p>
He leans his forehead lightly against mine.
“Think about everything you’ve handled: carrying this baby, standing your ground when he told you to abort, protecting your peace, facing his family today… that’s not failure…. That’s strength p>
His hand settles protectively over your stomach as he pauses, letting the words sink in.
“And if today felt heavy, it’s because it was heavy. Anyone in your position would feel that weight p>
His voice drops softer. “But here’s the thing; you didn’t run, you didn’t fold, and you didn’t betray yourself or your baby… So, if you’re looking for proof you’re doing the right thing, then let me be that voice of reason p>
He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead and I sink into his embrace, feeling like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.
You’re the best,” I murmur softly. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me p>
“And I plan to keep being that, Princess,” he replies, making me chuckle.
I hold on to him, not wanting to let go. I don’t want him to leave… but at the same time, I’m not sure if I should ask him to stay.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, I decide to just go for it. The worst that can happen is him saying no. It would sting, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
“C-could you maybe… sp-spend the night?” I ask, the words stumbling out nervously.
He tilts his head slightly, studying me, and for a split second I think he’s about to refuse, so panic flares and I rush to backtrack.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” I add quickly. “You really don’t have to stay p>
“Sierra,” he interrupts gently. “You don’t have to take it back. I just wanted to make sure you’re certain p>
I meet his eyes. “I’m sure p>
A warm smile spreads across his face. “Then I’d love to spend the night p>