Chapter 23
Aurora’s words struck Terrence like a blow, leaving his face ashen. He couldn’t comprehend it. They had spent five years deerly in love, sharing so much joy. How could she regret it now?
And why use the word “ever“? Did it mean her love for him was gone? The mere thought sent pain searing through his chest.
No. That couldn’t be right. Only a month had passed. How could Aurora have fallen out of love so soon? She had to still be angry. She hadn’t forgiven him yet. Terrence reached for her hand, desperate to explain, but Aurora stepped away before he could touch her, keeping him at a distance.
His expression twisted in hurt at her reaction, but he hurriedly explained, “Ro, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just want to talk. Please believe me. I’ve only ever loved you. What happened with Alyssa meant nothing.
“Can’t you forgive me and come home? I swear, no other woman will ever be near me again. I’ll love only you. We could even have another wedding, grander than before.”
A fragile hope glimmered in Terrence’s eyes as he finished.
Aurora didn’t react. Her face was blank, unfeeling.
“Five years ago, you made the same vow–to love only me. Then came the betrayal. I won’t be fooled again, and I’ll never forgive you. Leave. Don’t ever come back.
When Aurora first learned of Terrence’s infidelity, the pain was overwhelming, and she refused to believe it. But she wavered when she saw that he still treated her as lovingly as before.
She’d told herself that perhaps nothing would change if she looked past it all and married him anyway. He would remain devoted, keeping other women at arm’s length.
But as the lies multiplied–as she watched Terrence and Alyssa exchanging those unmistakable intimacies–she knew she could no longer continue. She could no longer spend another day pretending everything was fine.
All she’d ever wanted was real love. But Terrence had twisted that love, and now she wanted nothing to do with it. Right then, she made a silent vow–she would never forgive him.
Without another word, Aurora turned and walked away.
But Terrence wasn’t one to give up easily. In his panic, he seized Aurora’s wrist. “Thea, I swear, you’re the only one in my heart. I love only you.”
Aurora yanked her arm back, studying him. His expression was frantic, pleading- laugh.
-so convincing that it might have swayed her once. But now, she gave a hollow
“Love? Was it love when you and your friends talked about Alyssa right before me? When you had my designer make her a wedding dress? When you slipped out of our bed to sleep with her while I was lying there? If that’s what you call love, it’s worthless. And I want no part of it.”
With every word, Terrence grew paler, until he seemed barely able to stand. Her sentences struck like blades, each one piercing deeper than the last.
He had never hated himself more. None of this would’ve happened if he’d kept his hands off Alyssa.
