Chapter 9
We returned from our trip two months later.[]
During those two months, Dex and I had visited nearly every corner of the world we’d dreamed of seeing.
Dex was an excellent travel companion–thoughtful and considerate, always arranging everything before I even noticed what was needed.
I had almost completely forgotten all the domestic drama, including Kieran, including Mara, including that farcical wedding,
It wasn’t until the plane smoothly landed in the familiar city that I realized we were back.[]
I was holding onto Dex’s arm, laughing as we discussed which restaurant to go to for dinner.
In the distance, a figure suddenly crashed into my line of sight.[]
Kieran.
He saw me too, paused in his steps, then rushed toward me like a madman.[]
“Riley!” Kieran’s voice was terribly hoarse, carrying a kind of desperate madness.[]
He grabbed my shoulders, with such force it felt like he might crush my bones.
“Riley, I was wrong, I was so wrong!” His eyes were bloodshot, his emotions agitated, his voice trembling.[]
“Only after leaving you did I realize how much I love you! I can’t live without you!“[]
“Kieran, let go!” Dex’s voice turned cold as he reached to pry off Kieran’s fingers.]]
But Kieran acted as if he hadn’t heard, still gripping me tightly.[]
“Everything before was staged by Mara! She deceived me, she deceived everyone!“]
“She arranged the shooting, she planned the disappearance! She’s nothing but a liar!”
“I was really wrong, Riley. Let’s get back together, okay? Come back to me, please!“[]
Dex shoved Kieran away; “Stay away from my fiancée!“]
Kieran seemed stung by Dex’s words. He jerked his head up, hus bloodshot eyes glaring at Dex.[]
“This is between Riley and ine–it has nothing to do with your” he roared, his voice distorting with emotion.[]
“What are you? What gives you the right to interfere?“{}
“Dex, Riley loves met he’s just temporarily deceived by your
Jie turned to ane. Jus tone becoming pleading “Riley, tell you still have feelings for me, don’t you?“!
Chapter 9
‘You’re just angry with me, angry that I didn’t believe you, angry that I chose Mara, right?”
‘I understand everything now–it was all Mara’s fault! I’ll make it up to you, I’ll do anything to make amends!“[]
“Kieran.” I finally spoke, my voice as calm as still water.]
“You’re wrong.“]
‘Your mistake is that even now, you’re still blaming everything on others.“[]
‘Mara was certainly wrong, but the person who chose to believe her and give up on me was you.“[]
‘Your so–called love is too selfish and too cheap.”
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but no sound came out.]
Riley…” He struggled to say my name, his voice impossibly hoarse.[]
I shook my head gently, a faint, almost cruel smile playing at my lips.]
“Kieran,” I paused, speaking each word slowly and clearly.[]
“I stopped loving you long ago.“]
Kieran seemed to have all the strength drained from his body, slumping against the pillar behind him.[]
The light in his eyes was completely extinguished, leaving only endless despair and emptiness.
“No… impossible…” he murmured, as if unable to accept this cruel truth.[]
“Kiley, give me one more chance, okay? Just one…” His voice carried a sob, humble to the point of dust.
Dex squeezed my hand tighter and stepped forward, completely shielding me behind him.[]
“Kieran, I think Riley’s meaning is quite clear.“]
I squeezed his hand back and looked at Kieran: “Absolutely impossible, Kieran. You were reborn too, weren’t you? If you remember what happened in our past life, you know I could never forgive you.“[]
Kieran’s tall frame swayed, falling into complete despair.[]
He looked at me deeply, as if trying to etch me into his heart, then turned and lef.]]
After he was gone. Tooked at Dex and smiled softly. Kieran’s appearance hadn’t affected us at all.[]
I said: “Let’s go to that restaurant you mentioned earlier!”
Dex stroked my hand with a gentle smile: “Alright.“]
