Page 260 of The Heart You Kept

We don’t know each other and have never been introduced, but I know who she is from all my stalking…. Which is actually pretty pathetic now, given the circumstances.

It’s obvious she has something she wants to say…here goes nothing.

“Hello.” I smile.

“Hello.” She nods shyly.

I don’t know why, but I just get the feeling that she’s a good person, from everything Edward has told me and the vibe she has surrounding her. I move closer. “Hermione, is it?” I ask.

“Yes.” She nods. “You’re Alora?”

“Yes.” I hold my hand out to shake hers. “It’s nice to meet you.”

She forces a smile. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

“Were you and Edward together behind my back?”

“No.” I shake my head.

“But he bid for you at the auction when we were still together. Is that where you met?”

My heart sinks and I don’t know why but I have to fess up my sins to this woman, she deserves to know the truth.

“Edward and I knew each other a long time ago. The auction was the first time we had any contact in years.”

“Did you date him back then?” Her eyes search mine.

I nod.

She presses her lips together as if processing the information.

“When we saw each other at the auction we both….” I shrug.

“Knew?”

I nod again. “I was in a relationship also.”

“You broke that off?”

“Yes.”

“Did he know you left someone for him?”

“No. I didn’t want him to know, I didn’t want it to affect your relationship.”

“Did you sleep with him while he was with me?”

“No. We kissed hello at the auction but I swear to you, nothing else happened while the two of you were together.” I shrug, ashamed that I even let us kiss. “I’m not like that. I would never…”

She nods and I know that she believes me.

“I’m sorry for what happened with your friend, you deserved better.”

“He told you?” She frowns.

I nod. “And I want you to know that I’m on your side. There is no excuse for what transpired. I’m absolutely appalled on your behalf, and if you ever need anything or any help with that so-called friend of yours, please let us know.”