Chapter 15%
The silence inside the car was heavy, even with the engine humming under me. As the gates of the Westwood estate opened, I stared at the looming mansion I once thought of as control. Now, it felt like a prison I voluntarily walked back into.
I never thought Celeste would go that far. Never imagined she’d take a blade to her own skin just to stop me from walking away.“]
But she did.
And it was my fault.
I slammed the car door shut and stormed into the estate, barely acknowledging the staff’s alarmed faces. The scent of antiseptic hit me hard the moment I stepped into the west wing. She was in her room, they said. Still unconscious. Needing a blood transfusion.
My fists clenched. Why didn’t anyone stop her? Why didn’t I stop her?”
“Where the hell have you been?“>
I turned and faced my father, his expression stormy. His gray eyes, so much like mine, burned with fury.”
“Celeste tried to kill herself, Brent. Where were you?!”
“I was in Switzerland,” I said, jaw tight. “Trying to make things right with Layla.”
“Layla?” he scoffed. “While your stepsister’s bleeding out in her own damn room? You knew what we were planning for her, and she called you before she tried to kill herself! You failed to protect her!“}]
“I didn’t think she’d go this far,” I murmured.
“That’s your problem. You never think. That is why I never wonder why Layla also left!“}
I didn’t answer. Just walked past him, toward Celeste’s room.”
The lights were dim inside. She lay pale and lifeless in the bed, her wrists bandaged and IVs running into her arms. She looked nothing like the firecracker she used to be. Just… broken.
I sat by her bed and watched her breathe.
When she finally stirred, her eyes fluttered open. She blinked slowly. “Brent….”
“I’m here,” I said quietly.
Her voice cracked. “You didn’t answer my calls. I didn’t want to live anymore. They said… I’d be forced to marry someone who can’t even speak or move.”
“I know,” I said. “I know, Celeste.”
“I needed you.“D
I looked down at her. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you. But I had to be honest–with you, with myself.”
She reached for my hand, her grip weak. “Don’t leave me alone again…”
“I won’t leave tonight,” I promised. “But this… all of this has to stop. You can’t manipulate your way into someone’s heart, Celeste. I’ve been wrong to let it go this far.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “You love her.”}]
“Yes,” I said. “I always have.”
She sniffled. “But you were supposed to be the one to protect me. You were always the one they said would help me choose someone good.”
“I will,” I said gently. “When you’re better, I’ll help you. I’ll find you a match that isn’t a transaction. Someone kind. Someone real. But not me.”
“I can’t lose you,” she whispered.
“You’re not losing me. But you can’t keep pretending love means possession. It’s not healthy, Celeste. And it’s hurting us both.”
She turned her face to the side, crying softly. I stood, feeling the weight of everything press into my chest.
I stepped out of the room. The hall was quiet, my footsteps echoing against the cold marble. Heaned against the wall and pulled out my phone.”
Layla… I came back only because Celeste tried to take her life. I’ll stay one week–just to make sure she’s stable. After that, I’ll return to you. I still love you. I always have. Please believe that.
I hit send.
And stared at the screen.
Message failed. Blocked. Again.
I closed my eyes, head tilting back against the wall. She wasn’t ready to hear from me. Not after everything.
Still, I wasn’t going to disappear.
Not this time.
