I thought they were angry because I left.
I thought Silas was angry because of what he saw.
But this… this is so much worse.
You’re alone.
Not a single soul will stand up for you, Anastasia Cooper.
And why would they?
For such an ugly, toxic person.
My hands start to shake as I turn away. I can’t even look at him.
I never hated you.
I was devastated by you.
Truer words were never spoken. And all these years I was stupid enough to believe that I was a victim.
When it was just karma.
Silas half-stands, but I hold up my hand, offering him a weak, wobbly smile. “I… I’ll leave you be, now.”
He runs a hand through his hair, his brows drawing down. “Anastasia. You’re not even dressed.”
But I shake my head, the movement nearly throwing me off balance as I move towards the door. My hand reaches desperately for the handle.
“I’m so sorry, Silas.” The words don’t sound right. They don’t sound enough. Not nearly enough, as he watches me withconcernin his eyes.
Even that makes me feel sick.
“Don’t run,” he says quietly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He doesn’t ask me to stay.
I don’t blame him.
I can’t face Kit tonight. Not now that I know what I cost him.
Instead, I run for my little bedroom, not stopping until I’m under the covers. And then, only then, do I let the first, shuddering sob break free.
Another.
Another.
I cry for the boys I left, who loved their dad so fucking much and then lost him.
And I can’t stop.
Because I wasright.
Nothing good ever lasts. At least not when it happens to me.
29 – Stasi – ten years ago
“Anastasia?”
