“Oh, right–Mom, I messed up that day. I wanted to kill Cecilia to shut her up, but her damn zombie dad jumped in the way. So annoying! Luckily Leroy showed up and pulled the plug on that old bastard. The hospital said he’s been cremated already. But… I’m kinda worried Cecilia might expose my secret.”
“Don’t worry. Now that she’s married to Neil, she’ll behave. You just keep Leroy wrapped around your little finger,” Elise said smoothly.
Leroy didn’t even know how he got there.
By the time he came to his senses, he was already parked outside Neil’s company.
And then he saw me.
I was stepping out of the building in a long dress, sunlight poured down like it had been made just for me.
I saw him too but acted like I didn’t.
Neil’s driver had already opened the car door for me.
But before I could get in, Leroy grabbed my wrist.
“So, did you enjoy my wedding candy, dear nephew?”
Leroy said through gritted teeth, “What kind of aunt do you think you are? I don’t accept the title.”
“Well, doesn’t matter. Because this time, I didn’t marry you. Happy now?” I snapped.
I said it outright–shattering the silent, unspoken history between us.
But all I saw was the darkness deepening in Leroy’s eyes.
Then, for once, his voice softened.
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08:43
Chapter 6
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know until today… everything that happened–it wasn’t your fault.”
I yanked my wrist free.
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“You always thought you were above everyone else, and yet you were manipulated like a puppet. I switched the blind box numbers for you–so you and your precious Rachel could finally be together forever.”
“Don’t say her name!” Leroy cut me off and suddenly pulled me into his arms.
“I know your father died… because of me. I’m sorry. I’m really, truly sorry.”
The moment he mentioned my dad, my whole body trembled.
I remembered the way my father’s hand had gone cold in mine.
“Sorry doesn’t bring him back. He died because of you. Are you going to pay for that with your life?” I said, my voice cracking.
a
Leroy looked at the tears streaking down my face and felt like his heart was being ripped apart.
“I’ll do anything to make it right. Cecilia… just forgive me one last time,” he whispered.
His voice was low, almost pleading. His cool lips were just inches from mine.
“Divorce Neil. I know you don’t love him…”
A voice cut sharply through the air.
“Our marriage is none of your concern, Leroy.”
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