Chapter 56

There was awkward silence as Thomas stood frozen near the door, Cecilia in tears yet unwilling to let her husband come near, leaving Carina confused.

"I think the both of you need to talk and work things out", she spoke a little softer than intended.

"First of all, why on earth are you crying? Did something happen? Did she say something?" The last sentence ignited something in Carina. Was that an accusation?

Carina cleared her throat, "Before you jump to conclusions, I would like to clarify that I am definitely NOT the reason of her tears. And I would also advice you to use your brain once in a while, Ainsworth." Carina spat bitterly, furious over the fact that said man was belittling her. And there she was, trying to save his arse. Thomas rolled his eyes, clearly baffled by the entirety of the situation.

"Stop it, the both of you", Cecilia sniffled. The sound broke Thomas's heart into pieces. He couldn't help but remember how many nights he had held her and promised to never bring her pain. He was a terrible husband.

" If you don't let him near you, the problem won't be solved. For this once, forgive him and give him a chance ", Carina's words shocked Thomas pleasantly. He remembered the changes he had witnessed a few hours prior.

The girl was merely trying to prove his innocence. He shouldn't have accused her. Cecilia dried her tears with the back of her hands and nodded. The two gave a sigh of relief. Carina instantly left the chamber, brushing past Thomas, not sparing him a glance. He would apologize later.

For now, he needed to make sure his wife knew how much he loved her. 'Even more than you love Canny?' a voice spoke in his mind. He was quick to shake away the thought.

As she crossed the corridor, a few stray tears escaped her eyes. Carina was hurt. Her reasonable side argued that such a little topic shouldn't hurt her so much. But the tears weren't stopping.

Perhaps being strong was her curse after all. Everyone had seen her strong demeanor for so long, no one ever looked if she was hurting inside. Yes, she was a strong girl. But sometimes, she wanted to be weak. And she wanted someone to caress her in their hold and tell her that everything will be alright.

Perhaps if her father was alive, he would be the one to do that. She had been through so much pain, did God ever think of having mercy on her? Was there even a God? If there was, he was being extremely cruel to her. Her younger self would say that God hated her. She was right , she thought, as she collided with a body.

Carina didn't fall as she had expected. Instead, she found herself in strong arms.

"You should look where you're going, love", Nathan chuckled lightly, almost a girlish giddyness present in his tone. Carina was quick to push him away as she regained her balance. Her tear strained cheeks immediately caught the man's attention.

"Why are you crying?" Concern laced over his features, voice hardening. The scene was fairly similar to the one prior. Carina wanted to cry even harder.

"It's nothing". She hated the way her voice sounded feeble and broken. She hated being vulnerable in front of this selfish, rotten, crazed murderer.

"You don't have to tell me but, please, stop crying." She was shocked at the pleading tone of his voice. It also sounded like he was in pain.

"Why?" Was all she could manage to ask. Any other day she would've given a sarcastic remark but today, she felt like not herself.

"Because I can't stand seeing you in pain. Because, I love you."