The world is a better place without me. The people I love are better off without me.
The piece of paper is soaked in my tears by the time I finish reading the devastating and heartbreaking words a second time.
My swollen eyes drag up to his sleeping face. “Y-You’re so wrong, Nathan. The world willneverbe a better place without you. You are wanted. Needed. Loved. Please wake up and see for yourself. Please.”
Let me show you how much you are loved by me.
“Arya.”
The quiet voice startles me. I jerk my gaze to the side, finding Kian observing me with heavy concern. His sharp eyes-the same shade as his brother-drop to my lap to the letter and darken with realization that I finished reading it.
“What does it say?” he asks on a rough exhale.
“Nothing right.” Folding it up, I pass it to him.
Two hospital porters with the Hopewell name stamped on their uniform come up behind Kian, ready to shift Nathan upstairs. I reluctantly stand up, allowing them space to do their job.
“Bianca and Dash are here,” informs Kian. “I’ll have them come upstairs.”
“Thanks.”
I hop into the elevator, intertwining my fingers with Nathan’s cold ones. It’s probably a figment of my imagination, but I swear I feel him squeeze my hand.
Bending down, I press a kiss to his clammy forehead. “You’re going to be okay.”
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Arya
“Why didn’t you tell me you are in love with Nathan?” Bianca slowly asks.
She burst through the door a while ago and bundled me in her arms, letting me fall apart in her embrace. Dash stood nearby, quietly offering his support.
Now, it’s just the two of us. Dash went to get us coffee, even though I refused. I have no appetite or thirst.
“You hate him, Bianca,” I simply state. “You warned me to stay away from him twice. Nathan isn’t a malicious person. You judged him based on one side of the story. Hell, not even the full story.”
Shame crosses her pretty features.
“You condemned him without giving him a chance to explain.” I don’t hold back, anger bubbling up inside of me. Even though I know her hatred for him stemmed from the hurt he caused Iris. Her loyalty is with her. Still, everybody deserves a second chance.
My Nathan deserved a second chance.
“You’re right,” she admits. “I judged him too harshly. I’m sorry.”
I wipe the wetness sticking to my cheek. “Had I told you that we love each other, you would’ve tried to talk me out of dating him. So, I kept it to myself.”
“Please forgive me, Arya.” She rests her palm over mine. “I had no clue he was struggling so badly. I would’ve reached out. I feel like shit. He was my friend too.”
Depressed people are experts at hiding their true feelings. “It’s okay. I just want him to heal and become strong.”
“He will be.” She smiles through her tears. “He has you.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and stroke his hair. “I understand it now.”
“What?”
“Choosing Dash over us. I would do the same for Nathan.”
