Chapter 18
Against all logic, a part of her chose to believe him.
She knew how easily things could be fabricated these days. With modern technology, faking a voice recording was simple. If Cade was telling the truth, then that left only one person responsible.
The man who had held Leo hostage was working for Kendra. She was the one who had orchestrated Leo’s death.
“Aria, I know everything has been a terrible mistake,” Cade began, his voice laced with regret. “I was so wrong, so stupid. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you, for the rest of my life. Just… give me a chance. Please.”
Aria fell silent, her eyes locked on his for what felt like an eternity. When she finally spoke, her voice was cold and sharp. “You want to make things right, Cade? You want to atone? Then kill Kendra. It’s a life for a life.”
His face went blank. He no longer doubted her claims; learning the truth about her past and about Leo had shattered his skepticism. He trusted her completely now.
She hadn't aborted their first child. That meant Kendra had forced her to lie, had orchestrated the entire breakup.
Kendra had to be the one who faked the recording, driving Aria to suicide.
A deep, burning hatred for Kendra filled him. She had caused the woman he loved unimaginable pain. But now was not the time for vengeance.
He had to protect Reid’s unborn child, no matter the cost.
“Aria, I need you to give me some time. Just wait until the baby is born. I promise you, when the time is right, she will pay for what she’s done.”
He desperately wanted to tell Aria the truth—that the baby wasn’t his. But he knew her hatred for Kendra ran too deep. In a moment of rage, she might reveal the truth, and he couldn't risk it.
Kendra was only carrying the child because she believed it was Cade’s. If she discovered Reid was the father, she would undoubtedly get an abortion.
He couldn’t take that chance. The life of his friend’s child was at stake.
“Hmph!” A bitter sneer twisted Aria’s lips. She slowly unlaced her fingers from his, pulling her hand away. The movement tore at the half-healed wounds on her wrist, but she didn’t flinch. Her only thought was to get away from him, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the man who would always choose Kendra.
“Go be with Kendra, Cade. I don’t want to see you again. The sight of you makes me sick.”
It was a tragic irony. They had once been consumed by love, and now all that remained was a toxic resentment.
He felt a physical ache in his chest, a sharp, stabbing pain. He finally understood the cold dismissal he had so often shown her. It was a dreadful, hollow feeling. He had used the cruelest words to attack her, to humiliate her.
He realized now just how much strength it must have taken for her to endure it all.
The sharp ring of his phone cut through the heavy silence. It was Logan. An urgent call he couldn't ignore.
Cade gripped her hand one last time. “Aria, I have to take this. But I’ll be right back. I swear.”
She met his promise with a dismissive sneer, turning her face to the wall as she retreated back into her shell of apathy.
The second he was out the door, a silent stream of tears began to fall.
Look at him, Aria. Look at the man you love so fiercely. Kendra is the only one who matters to him. Even with the truth laid bare, he will still protect her.
You gave him your entire world, and in return, he left you with nothing. What a fool you’ve been.