Chapter 19%
Even after the chaos, even after Erika had shouted at him to go, he remained at her hospital bedside like a man desperate to reclaim something already lost. His expression shifted between wounded and defiant, as if he believed that his presence alone could change her heart.N
But Erika had already made her decision. And her silence now was louder than any scream.”
“I’m not leaving,” Kier said again, his arms folded. “I know you’re angry. I know I made mistakes. But we had a life, Erika. Years. I won’t just let it end like this.”
Erika turned her head away, eyes fixed on the window, the bandage on her head still fresh.
That’s when Riley stepped forward from the far corner of the room.
He had remained quiet all this time, watching, waiting–respecting Erika’s space–but now, he couldn’t stay silent.
“That’s enough,” Riley said, his voice firm. “She doesn’t want you here.”
Kier glared at him. “And you think you get to speak for her now?“}]
“I don’t speak for her,” Riley replied. “But I won’t let you bully her either.”
“You don’t have any right!” Kier barked. “This is between me and my wife!”
“No,” Erika said, finally looking at him. “I’m not your wife. Not anymore.“}
Kier took a step forward, but Erika’s voice was steady. “If you keep pushing, Kier, I’ll file a case. I’m done being controlled. Done being manipulated.“N
Security had already been on standby. Riley gave a subtle nod, and two men in black stepped inside. “Escort him out.“}
Kier shouted protests all the way down the corridor, but the doors eventually clicked shut behind him, sealing the end of a long, painful chapter.
Riley turned to Erika. “Are you okay?“}
She nodded faintly. “I will be.“}
He walked closer, slower now. His usual calm seemed heavier, as if he too had been carrying the weight of everything.
“I’m sorry,” Erika said, her voice barely above a whisper. “For all of this–the confusion, the chaos. For dragging you into it. And for what I said before… about us.”
Riley tilted his head. “What about it?“}
“I said there was something between us,” she murmured, “just to make Kier leave. I used it, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble.” Riley’s brows drew together, concern flashing in his eyes. “Erika, I’m not upset.“}
“But you should be,” she continued. “Because it wasn’t true. At least, not like that. And now it’s all messy and complicated. And I think… I think I should resign. Leave. Start over again, somewhere new.“>
He looked at her, stunned. “You’re leaving?“}
“I should,” she said. “This place–this job–it’s yours. And the others… they already think I got here for the wrong reasons.”
“Because of me?” he asked softly.”
Erika didn’t answer. Instead, she looked down at her hands, folded tightly on her lap.
Then she finally said it. “I know why you like me. I found out about your wife. The one who passed.“}
Riley didn’t speak, but his expression shifted.”
“I saw her photos,” Erika continued. “She was beautiful. And we look alike. I get it now. That’s why you were kind to me. Why you were drawn to me. Because I reminded you of her.”
The room went quiet for a long moment.”
Then Riley took a breath. “Is that what you really believe?“}
She glanced up at him, unsure.
“I liked you because you walked into the atelier like you had nothing to prove but everything to fight for,” he said. “Because you lit up when you created. Because you made me want to believe in something again.”
“But your wife-“E
“Yes, you remind me of her sometimes,” he admitted. “But you’re not her. You’re you. And I like you, Erika. The way you stand your ground. The way you cry when no one’s looking. The way you carry a broken heart like armor and still choose to love what you do.”
She stared at him, lips parting slightly, unsure how to respond.
“I like you,” he said again. “And that’s real.”
And then he leaned down, kissed her–softly, tenderly
