“And so then what?”
“I spiralled. I drank non-stop, which sparked constant friction and endless arguments with Lucia. I became miserable, depressed, hollow, and began to lose all hope of ever being happy again. I thought I’d never find Skylar. But then I did, by sheer luck, while on a business trip to Melbourne. It had been months since I’d seen or spoken to her. And when I found her in a completely different city, she wasn’t the woman I remembered. She was different—happier, stronger, freer. She had a whole new life: a new look about her, new friends—a new man.”
“Her now husband?”
I nod. “I knew the moment I saw them together I was already too late. I knew Heath wouldn’t let her go without a fight. But most of all, I knew he was the worthier man. The one who deserved her in the end. Even with that thought grating me, I still tried to pursue Skylar. But she had already given up on us. She had already moved on. I was just the person standing in the way of her happiness.”
My eyes sting at the memory of the day Skylar walked out of my life for good, never once glancing back as she held her head high and left me sitting alone at the hotel restaurant.
That was the beginning of my descent, months of sorrow and despair until Arianna came into my life. It was a small reprieve from all I had lost, but even that was short lived.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I had done things differently, that I don’t regret the choices I made. When I found out Lucia was pregnant, I thought it was my second chance—a chance to get things right this time. I had failed as a husband, but I wasn’t going to fail as a father. I wasn’t even sure if Lucia and I would make it as a couple, but I was willing to try, for the sake of our baby. And I did try.
“In those first few weeks after Ari was born, I put my family first. I wanted to be a hands-on dad to Ari, never missing a single milestone or experience. But then I discovered Lucia’s betrayal, and then I found out Ari wasn’t mine. After that, everything went from bad to worse.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
“It’s the least I deserved. Funny thing is, I began to believe I was destined for a life of
punishment for what I’d done, that I’d never find happiness again in this lifetime. I had given up hope… that was, until I met you.”
“I wish you had just told me all of this from the start, Kaden. Honesty and respect are the only things I ask of anyone, regardless of their history or background. I’m not excusing what you did in the past, but if you had been upfront, if youtold me that you were committed to doing the work to ensure it never happened again, I would have accepted it. I would have believed you.”
“I know that now, and I deeply regret not being honest with you from the beginning. If you do decide to give me another chance, I promise I will never hide anything from you again.”
“As much as I’m still hurt and angry that you hid such a vital piece of yourself… I’m willing to give our friendship another chance.”
My eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yes, Kaden. Really.”
“Thank you, Hope. You don’t know how much that means to me. I won’t let you down ever again. I swear to you.”
“But… make no mistake, Kaden—this is the only chance I’m giving you. If you ever lie to me or keep anything from me, it’s over, for good this time.”
“I promise you, Hope, I will—”
She raises a hand, stopping me mid-sentence, and my words die on my lips.
“I’m not finished. I’m willing to give our friendship another chance, but that’s all it can ever be—just a friendship. This also doesn’t mean I’ve fully forgiven you; that will take time. I’ll be honest and say that I did start to feel something more, but now, I don’t know if I could ever completely trust that you wouldn’t lie or cheat again. I just can’t endure another heartbreak like that. I’m not sure I’d be strong enough next time. I hope you understand.”
The hope of ever becoming more shatters in an instant. Disappointment drops heavy in my stomach, sharp and undeniable. But I understand her need to protect her heart. If I were in her place, after meeting someone like me, I’d be riddled with doubt too.
A friendship is better than nothing, more than I could ask for. And I would take whatever she’s willing to give, even the smallest fraction of it, if it means I still get to remain in her life.
“I understand. I came here prepared to hear you say that you never want to see me again, so… I’d say a friendship is more than I deserve.”
She nods, and then, a small genuine smile spreads across her face. “I’m glad we’ve had this talk.”
“Me too, Hope. Me too.”
My eyes wander to the island once more, settling on the lone cabinet door stretched out across the counter. I gesture towards it. “Were you in the middle of renovating the kitchen?”
She glances over her shoulder, following my line of sight. “Yeah, I was. I’m just trying to choose the right paint for it, but I can’t decide between sage green and a neutral.”
“What’s the overall feel you’re going for in the rest of the house?”
“I’m leaning towards a contemporary, organic feel—lots of plants, warm timber, stone countertops, soft natural colours. Maybe even a linen couch… if I ever get around to purchasing one.” She gives a small shrug. “I’ve been tackling it bit by bit, but honestly, I just want to finish it so I can finally tend to my gardens.”
