Page 104 of The Ruin I Chose

“Maybe. I don’t know. It’s all happening too fast.”

“Vihaan, I gave you the chance. And I told you the truth about Marcello.”

“But he disappeared on you. Left you to fend for yourself when you were against wolves.”

I shut my eyes, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

“He came back. He’s trying. If I could give you a chance, I could give him one too. I don’t remember you being there either.”

“You sent Kyra with me.” His voice cracked.

“And for the right reasons. Are you angry at him—or the idea that there may be something real between him and me?”

His flinch gave me all the answers he wouldn’t say.

“Do you think there’s something real? You think he’s different, Roxanne? That he won’t hurt you like the rest of us?”

“I don’t know. But I’d rather take a chance on someone who fights for me—than someone who only shows up when it’s convenient.”

My voice didn’t shake. Not this time. Not for him. He looked away, jaw clenched. Then sighed.

“It’s too much, Roxy. I’ve seen the way he looks at you—it feels like a knife stabbing me. And Kyra… she’s so… comfortable with him. I feel like I’m losing you both.”

I stepped closer, cupped his face gently.

“You’ll always be Kyra’s father. No one can take that away. And as for me… we’re done as a couple, but we’ll always share a bond. We’ll always be Kyra’s parents. I’d never let anyone replace that.”

He had tears in his eyes, and we just stood there, hugging each other.

“Do you love him?” he asked—barely a whisper, like the answer might break him.

The truth clawed up my throat, desperate, trembling. I bit my lip, silent. He smiled, soft and sad.

“If you love him… I’ll support you. Whatever you choose.”

I kissed his cheek and headed back.

I needed to stop by Marcello’s room to tell him it was just a misunderstanding. Just bruised male ego. Nothing more.

The crickets chirped loudly as I headed back to my room, heart pounding, mind spinning. I rehearsed my explanation, my reassurance—foolishly.

As I crossed the garden, I saw Marcello standing just outside, his back to me. He was talking to someone—a woman. She clung to his arm, fingers grazing his bicep like she was testing the texture.

Her other hand twirled her hair, her stance dripping with seduction.

Too close. Way too close for my comfort. My stomach twisted with dread.

And then I saw a glint of her face. Priya’s cousin, of course. That’s it. I had had enough drama for one day. She pulled him towards her and kissed him—quick, bold, shameless. Right on the mouth.

He pulled back immediately, muttering something in Sicilian, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes darted—guilt, fury, disbelief. But damage ignored is still damage done. I stood paralysed.

She looked at me and smirked—mocking, triumphant, like she’d just pissed on something sacred. He turned and that’s when I saw it. A faint lipstick stain at the edge of his lips. My heart sank and my mind went blank. Every emotion crashing in at once like a tsunami with no warning.

“So the first sign of difficulty, and you run to another woman?”

“Roxanne, no. You misunderstood—”

“Don’t insult me, Marcello. I saw it. I’m not blind. And I’m not stupid.”