Chapter 3
When Kieran got back, I’d just finished showering and my hair was still dripping.
He saw me and stopped short.]]
“Why do you look like a drowned rat?”
“Went to the hospital.“||
Kieran’s expression went rigid.
“What were you doing at the hospital today?“]
laughed softly.]
“I’ve told you about this so many times.”
Kieran ran his hands through his hair, frustrated.]
I’ve been swamped lately, forgot about it, Your injury’s healed anyway–missing one appointment won’t kill you.“]
I stared at him quietly.
“The doctor said if I don’t take care of it properly, it might flare up again.“[
That shut him up. After a long pause, when he looked at me again, there was irritation in his eyes.
“Are you seriously gonna use that scar to guilt–trip me again?”
So that’s what my reminders had become to him–me trying to cash in on what I’d done for him.
When I didn’t respond, Kieran’s temper flared.[]
“There you go with that dead–fish expression again! So I didn’t go with you–is it really that big a deal?”
I glanced at his shirt collar and said quietly.]
“You’ve got some frosting on your collar. Missed a spot.”
Kieran instinctively reached for his collar, then froze.
“You-
1 added casually-
“That watch looks really nice on Luna.“[]
Kieran’s face turned purple with rage. He pointed at me, shaking.||
“You followed me? Quinn, are you psycho? She just got back from overseas and she’s adjusting–I’m helping her feel better! What’s wrong with that?”
“She’s been alone her whole life, no one to depend on–it’s heartbreaking! I’m all she hast
“Do you really have to be this petty? Is it fun for you?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.]
“Yeah, it’s really funny. When I went to the hospital, I was alone too. But I don’t see you feeling sorry for me.“]
Kieran turned red, scrambling for an excuse.
“It’s not the same with her… Besides, I do care about you! Did you really need me to hold your hand? Are you three years old now?”
Before he could finish, his phone rang again. Luna, of course.
Kieran answered immediately, and Luna’s tearful voice came through the speaker.
“Kieran, I think I got a fever from the rain earlier. I’m so dizzy…”
“Stay put, I’ll be right there!“]
He hung up and headed for the door without even looking at me. At the threshold, he turned back to throw out one last line.
“Stay home and think about what you did. Tomorrow you’re coming with me to order flowers for the wedding.“]
“And quit it with the stalking bullshit… It’s seriously pathetic.”
Kieran left, but his words kept echoing in my head.
Pathetic?
He was absolutely right.
I just wish I’d figured it out sooner.
Turns out my heart went blind a long time ago
The next day, on the way to the flower shop, the air in the car felt suffocating.
I put in my earbuds and turned toward the window.
Kieran’s fingers drummed impatiently on the steering wheel.
“That complex downtown isn’t bad, you know… convenient location… pretty decent area…”
He kept glancing at me from the corner of his eye.[]
When I didn’t respond, he cleared his throat and spoke louder.[]
“I heard it’s a brand new development with better amenities. Lots of young people like renting there. Maybe we should check it out?”
I didn’t even open my eyes, just made a sound in my throat.]
Kieran’s brow furrowed, irritation creeping into his voice.
ice.[]
“Hey, I’m talking to you!”
I slowly opened my eyes.]]
“I’m listening. So?”
Kieran deflated like a punctured balloon.]
“Nothing, just… making conversation.”
The wind blew in through the window, clearing my head a little.
“Kieran, about the house… isn’t there something you want to tell me?”
I studied his profile.
I thought this was his last chance.
He avoided my gaze, responding flatly.
“Nah, we’re good. I’m following your lead on everything.”
I looked down, my heart sinking completely.
He was still lying. Not even one honest word.]
Even now, if he’d just told me the truth–one simple truth–maybe I could have… No, It was too late for that.]
I clenched my fists. So this was what I’d nearly died for–this complete disregard for everything I’d given him.
