Chapter 21
As Nathan’s story unfolded, everything finally clicked into place those strange looks he’d given me, full of barely contained possession yet rigidly controlled.
He was, at his core, a madman wrapped in perfect composure.
“I’m sorry,” he rubbed his temples.
“I hope I haven’t frightened you.”
“You haven’t.” Though I was reluctant to admit it, there was something alluring about this controlled darkness in him, this hint of forbidden desire.
But after that day, Nathan retreated behind his polished facade of the perfect gentleman.
His pursuit became methodical, restrained – as if that glimpse of raw emotion had been nothing but my imagination.
Everything shifted after New Year.
Nathan had returned to Manhattan, and I hadn’t seen Matthew for weeks, assuming both brothers were away for the holiday.
So when I spotted Matthew that evening, it caught me off guard.
“Didn’t you leave?” I asked casually.
“No.” He looked haggard, like sleep had become a stranger.
“I’ve been learning about your past, Emma,” he said softly.
“My past?”
“I visited your schools – elementary, middle, high school. I saw your honor student photos on the walls.” His laugh was bitter.
“You were so young, but already remarkable. Perfect grades, natural beauty, impressive career… I was too blinded by status to see how extraordinary you were.”
“That’s ancient history,” I replied, feeling unusually generous in the holiday spirit.
“Just be more genuine in your next relationship.”
Chapter 21
“Next relationship?” Ilis self deprecating smile made something twist inside me
As I turned to leave, he called out: “You left something behind.”
“I told you to throw everything away.”
“It’s the ring I gave you… and your high school yearbook.”
I froze.
That explained why I couldn’t find my yearbook it was still in Manhattan.
Those memories belonged to my past, not to Matthew,
“Keep the ring. I want the yearbook.”
As he handed it over, his grip suddenly tightened. ‘
“You left me behind too. Emma, please… take me back with you.” Matthew’s voice cracked with desperation, showing a vulnerability I’d never seen before.
I pulled away coldly.
“Never.”
