Chapter 11 - What Really Happened Five Years Ago
One evening, Cassidy finally told Declan everything.
The pregnancy test.
The charity dinner.
His words.
His father's warning.
The ultrasound.
Three heartbeats.
Declan listened without interrupting.
When she finished, he looked devastated.
“You came to my office?”
“Yes.”
“And you saw Dad.”
“Yes.”
“I wish you'd come inside.”
“I wish you'd given me a reason to.”
He nodded.
No defense.
No excuse.
“I was arrogant.”
“Yes.”
“Controlling.”
“Yes.”
“I made you feel small.”
Cassidy's voice softened.
“Yes.”
Declan looked down.
“I loved you.”
“That wasn't enough.”
“I know.”
She had never expected him to understand that.
He looked at her.
“I don't want you back because we have children.”
Cassidy's heart accelerated.
“I didn't ask.”
“I know. But I need you to hear it.”
He stood.
“I want to become someone you would choose even if Lily, Emma and Grace didn't exist.”
Cassidy could not answer.
Declan walked toward the door.
“Goodnight, Cassidy.”
“Declan.”
He stopped.
She crossed the room.
Then, for the first time in five years, Cassidy hugged him.
May you like
Nothing more.
But when he left, both of them knew the wall between them had finally cracked.
