Page 81 of Broken Destiny

“I thought I could handle it,” I continued, struggling to keep my voice steady. “I thought I could protect everyone before things got worse?—”

“I got shot because of it.”

The sharp crack of his wine glass hitting the table made me flinch.

He stood so abruptly that the couch shifted behind him. His breathing grew heavier, and anger radiated from every part of him.

“The girls had to go to therapy for six months because of what happened.”

My pulse stuttered violently in my throat.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, standing up.

My fingers curled tightly against my palms.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. If I could undo any of it, I would. If I could take it all back, I would.”

I forced myself to meet his eyes.

For a long moment, he said nothing. His eyes searched my face carefully, as though he were waiting for dishonesty. His brows were pulled together, as though my reaction had surprised him, but the anger slowly began to fade.

His shoulders eased first.

Then the tension along his jaw loosened.

Finally, he dragged a hand across his face and sat back down on the couch.

“It’s all right,” he said quietly after a moment. “The girls are okay now, and I know you never meant for any of it to happen.”

“I didn’t,” I whispered, sitting down. “I swear on my children, Caleb. I would never intentionally hurt anyone’s child.”

The words hung heavily in the air between us.

Then he nodded slowly and rose to his feet.

“It’s late,” he said. “I should go.”

I walked him to the door.

“How’s Malaika?” I asked softly. “How’s her health now?”

A faint smile touched his lips.

“She’s good. She’s quite a girl.”

Relief loosened something tight inside my chest.

“Again, I’m truly sorry.”

He let out a tired breath and held my gaze.

“You’re sorry, and I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “We both made mistakes, and maybe it’s time we stop punishing each other for them.”

“I’d like that,” I admitted honestly.

“Good night, Jiya.”

I stood at the doorway and watched him walk toward his car, rubbing his forehead before climbing inside.