Chapter 593
Chapter 592:
Justin and Carmen walked slowly through the rows of headstones in the quiet, private cemetery. Carmen wore a simple black trench coat, her hair damp from the drizzle. She held a bouquet of white lilies in both hands.
Every news channel was running the same story: Conrad Sterling had been arrested. The evidence was irrefutable. He faced multiple federal felony charges. His political career was over.
They stopped in front of a double headstone. The marble was clean and polished, clearly well-tended.
Carmen knelt down and placed the lilies at the base of the stone. Her fingers traced the carved names of her parents. The cold, hard granite felt solid and real beneath her touch.
о𝘳𝗀а𝗻i𝘇𝖾 𝘺о𝘶𝗿 𝗹і𝖻r𝘢𝗿𝘆 𝗈𝗇.с𝘰𝘮
“Dad, Mom,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “He’s been punished. You can rest now p>
Justin stood a few feet behind her, holding a large black umbrella over her head and shielding her from the rain. He didn’t speak. He didn’t reach for words of comfort. He simply stood there — a silent, unwavering sentinel.
After a long while, Carmen’s shoulders stopped shaking. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and rose to her feet. She turned to face him.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice still rough.
Justin’s expression was grim. “This isn’t for thanks,” he said, his voice heavy with guilt. “This is what I owe you p>
He angled the umbrella away deliberately, letting the cold drizzle fall on his own shoulders and hair while keeping her perfectly dry. The gesture was quiet and intentional — a small, private act of penance. He didn’t seem to notice the water soaking through his suit jacket.
He stepped closer. The space between them disappeared. He looked down into her eyes, his gaze stripped of every defense he had ever built.
“Carmen,” he said, his voice a low, raw rumble. “Seven years ago, I lost you. Every day since has been hell p>
He wasn’t holding anything back. He laid his soul open and let her see all of it.
“I thought I was doing this for justice,” he continued, his voice unsteady. “I thought I was doing it for revenge. But I was wrong. I did all of it for one reason — so I could stand in front of you again p>
Carmen stared at him, stunned. She had never seen him like this — so completely unguarded, so utterly honest.
“I love you, Carmen Golden,” he said. The words were clear and absolute. “Not because you are Aaden’s mother. Not because of our past. I love you. Just you. The woman you are right now p>
He reached up and cupped her face in both hands, his thumbs moving gently across her cheeks, brushing away the rain and the tears.
“I don’t want your gratitude,” he said fiercely. “I don’t want your guilt. I just want you. Will you give me another chance p>
Rain streamed down his face. Carmen couldn’t tell whether the drops on his cheeks came from the sky or from his eyes.