Chapter 18
Even hoarse with strain, Fiona recognized Seth’s voice instantly. A lover once etched into her soul.[]
Once.[]
Now, Seth Sterling was the last person Fiona wished to see.
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She tightened her grip on Ian’s hand, turning away. Hurried footsteps closed in. Seth blocked her path.[]
“Fiona. I found you.” []
His face, once the picture of arrogant confidence, was gaunt, etched with exhaustion.[]
His eyes drank her in – her evident well–being bringing a painful mix of relief and sorrow. []
“You left without a word,” he rasped, raw emotion thickening his voice. “Sentenced me without a hearing. Isn’t that unfair?“]
“Unfair?”
A dormant fury surged. Fiona met his gaze. “Coming from you? That’s laughable.“[]
Seth flinched, the heat in her look searing. He lowered his eyes, shame palpable. []
“The fault is mine. Mine for the IVF lie. Mine for thinking mere ‘responsibility‘ could make it right. I know the depth of the wound now. I know you did nothing. I failed you. I failed to trust you.” []
“I understand why you left. Just… give me a chance. Let me earn you back. I know you love children. We can have our own. I swear, Fiona, my heart, my soul, every part of me will be yours- =“0
“I don’t need it anymore.” []
Fiona cut in, her voice calm but final. “When I needed you most, I got lies. I’ve let go. Of you. Of children who were never mine.“]]
A strange clarity washed over her.
Setting aside the core betrayal, Seth hadn’t been cruel. []
He’d dismantled her toxic birth family after learning of the drugging. []
He’d given her security, luxury, the envy of society. []
But the foundation was rotten. Deception.
And Eleanor’s arrival? A litany of distrust. The hundred slashes of pain across her face… that had severed the final thread.]
“Seth, I don’t love you. We are strangers now. Leave me be. I’m building a new life. One without you.“[]
“I won’t accept that!” ]]
Two Men, One Choice, My Happy Ending
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Chapter 18
Seth grabbed her wrist, agony twisting his features. []
“I won’t let you vanish! I won’t give up–“[]
His grip tightened unconsciously. Fiona gasped in pain.]
Ian, sensing her distress, launched himself at Seth like a furious kitten. []
Kicking. Scratching. Biting.
Seth, trying only to disengage the frantic child, shoved him away. Ian stumbled, falling backwards onto the grassy verge. []
His head struck a jagged rock. Blood bloomed crimson against his hair.
