AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I haven’t told Dion that I started therapy. Not because I’m embarrassed or shy, but I want my healing process to be something that’s only for me. I want to be responsible for my own mistakes. For my path to recovery to be clear.
I replay the events of the last few weeks in my mind. I still can’t believe it. Dion saved me from overdosing.
Despite the time and distance, he still came for me. Without hesitation.
Guilt made me want to push him away, tell him to leave, but I couldn’t. I needed him.
The truth is, I never stopped needing him, even when I convinced myself otherwise.
I thought staying away from him would make things better, easier somehow. But it didn’t. It only made the emptiness inside me grow, like a dark, gaping hole that nothing could fill.
Now, as I’m replaying it all, the shame is unbearable.
I let him see me at my lowest.
And even then, he did everything for me. He lifted me higher than I ever thought possible, reminding me of the power that resides within me.
As I close my eyes, I’m instantly transported back to the way he worshiped my body. Every touch, every kiss, seemed to erase the scars I gained in the past year. His embrace was like an anchor, embracing every part of me—the broken pieces and the ones still shining with resilience.
He made me feel beautiful, sexy, irresistible.
I may not have seen Dion in the past few weeks, but I know he’s still around in case I need him. I should be shocked, scared even, that he may know where I am at all times. But in some twisted way, it makes me feel safe. As if he’s an angel watching over me.
38
ARIA
Today is Angelica’s “real” wedding, and I couldn’t be happier for my best friend. The courthouse one was meant to be for convenience, but now, she and Evander have decided to give their marriage a real shot.
Ang has come such a long way since she left Cebrene, for the second time, a year ago. When she first got back, she was a shell of herself. Now, she’s taking her life back into her own hands, and she’s killing it. Literally. And I’m glad she and that shithead of Evan finally realized their true feelings for each other, though I’ll still be keeping an eye on him.
I stand at the front of the church, heart pounding in sync with the steady rhythm of the organ music. Sunlight filters through the stained, glass windows, casting a rainbow of colors across the pews. Next to me are Angelica’s best friends from Antium, Daniel, Nicole, and Amanda, their smiles bright and contagious. On the other side, are Evander’s best men, including Dion.
As we wait, my eyes wander to him, and for a fleeting moment, our gazes lock. My pulse flutters in my chest.
The heavy doors at the back of the church creak open, and I draw in a deep breath. All heads turn, and we watch as Angelica steps into view, her arm linked with Gianis’s instead of her father’s. A lump forms in my throat, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
My heart swells with pride and gratitude for my best friends, seeing them still this close, even after everything.
Peter Kouvalakis never deserved to witness this moment, this beautiful testament to love and resilience. He was a vile man, one who almost destroyed Angelica’s spirit with his cruelty and manipulation. But she found the strength to stand up to him, to fight for her happiness.
I steal another glance at Dion, feeling the weight of my own unresolved issues with my father. Angelica’s courage reminds me that I need to find that same strength within myself.
As Angelica and Gianis draw closer, happiness radiates from her face, her eyes shining with love for Evander as he waits at the altar. Gianis looks proud, his face soft with a tender smile. I catch Angelica’s eye, and she beams at me. In that moment, I know that everything is as it should be. The past, with all its pain and struggle, has led us to this perfect, beautiful present.
Angelica stands next to me, awaiting the moment when she’ll be joined with Evander in holy matrimony. My heart races with joy.
The priest begins the ceremony, and I look across the altar once more. This time, Dion holds my gaze, and the intensity sends shivers down my spine. I can barely handle the heat of his stare as his eyes travel down my body. I see the same longing I’m feeling.
I miss him. I miss him. I miss him.
I find it difficult to focus on the priest’s voice. Thoughts of Dion swirl in my mind, distracting me from the sacred rituals unfolding before me. My palms grow clammy, and I clasp them tightly around the bouquet of flowers I’m holding to stop them from shaking.
The ceremony continues without a hitch, regardless of the silent tension unfolding between Dion and me. And as Angelica and Evander exchange vows, I silently pray for the strength to endure, to keep my emotions in check until this day is over.
As the priest’s voice echoes through the halls of the church, declaring Evander and Angelica husband and wife, a sudden, loud explosion reverberates in the air. Everyone in the church startles, shrieks ringing out in the space.
For a moment, I’m confused, but then, Angelica and I share a panicked look. We’re in fucking trouble.
