"I heard everything," he said curtly. "I was here the whole time."
Princess shook her head wildly. "Can't you see she's manipulating you—"
"The only person attempting to use anyone is you." Colin's voice remained steady, though tension radiated from his tall frame. "It's over, Princess. Whatever history we shared, whatever connection you imagine between us—it's finished."
"Because of her?" Princess spat, glaring at Hope with undisguised hatred. "A woman youbought—"
"It doesn't matter how two people meet, Princess. And I think it's time for both of us need to accept that. Hope is it for me. And that will never change."
Colin turned towards Hope.
And it was this that seemed to destroy Princess. It was as if she had suddenly lost her mind, and she turned toward Hope, her face a picture of rage and insanity.
"This is all your fault!"
It was not Colin who held her back. This time, Colin's security came out of nowhere, flanking Princess on each side as they carried her off the porch.
"Hope?" Colin's gorgeous face suddenly filled her vision as he stood in front of her, his features dark with concern. "Are you alright? I'm sorry you had to—"
Whatever he intended to say disappeared as Hope launched herself into his arms, nearly toppling him backward with the unexpected motion. His arms closed around her automatically, steadying them both.
"I love you," she declared, the words bursting from her like water through a broken dam. "I love you, Colin Soukoulis."
Colin froze, clearly struggling to process the sudden shift after so many days of distance, and she cupped his face with shaking hands.
"It's not a dream."
Because she could see that was what he was thinking.
"This is real."
Because this time, they had His blessing.
"I love you—"
His arms finally wrapped around her, the strength of his embrace nearly crushing her.
"I love you, Hope." His voice was raw. "I love you." And his own hands were shaking as he cupped her face. "I love you. Thank you for taking me back."
