Page 90 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

His fingers linger a second too long.

His eyes stay locked on mine, as though he’s also realizing everything this touch means.

He swallows hard.

And I see regret, desire... and longing flash through his gaze.

Then his hand falls away.

And it feels like someone just tore a piece out of me.

He stares at the dampness on his fingertips as though surprised by it.

Then his attention returns to me. His gaze searches mine, looking for a confession I still refuse to give him. He opens his mouth. Closes it again. His eyes drift toward the window, as though searching for an answer there.

Then something inside him gives way. His shoulders relax slightly.

He stops fighting.

And when he looks at me again, all of his attention is focused on me.

“I’m sorry. For Bianca, for the wedding that almost happened, for all the things I said to you and didn’t mean.”

What am I supposed to say to that?

No apology can erase reality.

While I was fighting to reclaim my life, he was with her.

He lowers his eyes.

“She and I... it was never what you think.”

“You were going to marry her.”

“Not for the reasons you imagine.”

He looks back at me.

“I never managed to forget you.”

My breath catches.

No. That’s impossible.

Yesterday, he was still with Bianca.

What game is he playing?

“I don’t believe you.”

I pause before letting the words fall like a blade.

“I regret ever loving you. I regret ever knowing you.”

He flinches as though I slapped him.

Then I see understanding pass through his eyes.