Saying goodbye was the right choice.
The only option.
Doing the right thing sometimes hurt.
And this did.
As the tears flowed, she released the pain, the regret, and the memories. That would be the only way to push Blaise Mortenson from her mind and from her heart. At least she hoped that worked.
“Hadley?”
Her heart froze. Her breath stilled.
She lowered her hands to glance at the doorway.
Blaise stood with deep lines etched on his face. Worry clouded his gaze. Tears filled his eyes.
Oh, no.Her hands flailed, wiping the drops from her cheeks. If she’d known he was still here, she would’ve held herself together. She wouldn’t have let herself lose control.
He came toward her, his steps purposeful, his gaze focused on her.
She cleared her dry throat. “I thought you left.”
“I started to, but I couldn’t.”
“You hate losing.”
“True, and I know you want me to walk away, but I can’t. I won’t.” He went around the desk and stood next to her. “What we have is worth fighting for. I’ll do whatever it takes to show you how much you mean to me.”
She forced herself to breathe. “I…”
“Tell me what it’ll take. I’ll do anything.”
Hadley fought to control her ragged breathing. “That’s a dangerous thing to offer when you’re a billionaire.”
“Not when you’re all I want. Need.” He leaned against her desk, staring at her with an intensity that took her breath away. “I thought, if I won the bet, life would be perfect. I’d have more money, bragging rights, and be able to show everyone I belong. But nothing is perfect. Though, the two of us together comes close.”
Words were easy to say. Actions… She squared her shoulders. “Tomorrow, you could change your mind.”
“Not going to happen.” His voice was strong and firm. “You’re the only one for me. I’ll spend today, tomorrow, and every day after that trying to convince you it’s true.”
“I want to believe you.” Her voice cracked. “But I’m scared.”
“So am I, sweetheart,” he admitted. “I’m terrified. But you’re worth feeling this way.”
“Am I? Because I hate it.” Hadley trembled, struggling for how to put her conflicting emotions into words. “I trusted you. Believed in you. In us. Now all I am is hurt and afraid.”
He reached for her. “I’m…”
She shrugged off his hand. “I need to get this out.”
Blaise nodded.
“Even if I forgive you and we make up, how do I know it won’t happen again?” She sniffled, trying to hold herself together. “You hurt me. But what happened between us should have been a private moment. It wasn’t. And that video is still out there. The person who filmed it is, too. There could be others waiting for the chance to do that. With you or us. And the thought of being exposed this way again…”
Her hands shook. She struggled to breathe.
“I can’t change what I did or what the person with the camera did. I can’t tell you someone else isn’t out there lurking in the shadows. If I could, I would.” His shoulders curled over his chest, but his gaze never wavered. “But I can promise you this. I will do better. I never want to hurt you again. I want to protect you. I want to do what’s best for you. Because when you walked away on Friday, you took my heart with you. I love you, Hadley.”
