Chapter 18
Kaden felt like he’d been struck by lightning. He stood frozen, unable to process what he’d just heard.
“You still haven’t moved on from him?” His voice cracked slightly. “You came all the way out here
just to find his replacement?”
Hannah’s eyes held a complicated mix of emotions, but her voice remained steady. “It’s not that I haven’t moved on. I never even tried.”
The color drained from Kaden’s face, anger seeping into his voice. “What about those five years together? Did they mean absolutely nothing to you?”
Hannah was quiet for a moment before answering softly. “They meant exactly what we agreed they would. A contract, right?”
A bitter smile twisted Kaden’s lips. “Right. Just a contract. How pathetic that I’m the only one who fell
in love.”
Hannah studied him, her expression unreadable.
“You should go home, Kaden,” she said quietly. “I’m not getting back together with you. I have a good life now. Having that face in my life again… it gives me something to hold onto.”
Something tightened painfully in Kaden’s chest, making it hard to breathe. “Are you planning to spend the rest of your life with him?” he asked, his voice barely audible.
After a heavy pause, Hannah nodded. “Probably, yes.”
A wave of something between rage and despair crashed over Kaden. The thought of her belonging to another man forever was unbearable.
“What if I looked like him too?” he finally said.
Hannah stared at him, shock spreading across her face. “What are you talking about?”
“What if I got surgery to look like Chace?” His voice was rough with desperation. “Would you love
me then?”
Too Late
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Chapter 18
Hannah gaped at him, unable to believe what she was hearing.
In her mind, Kaden had always been dignified and proud, even at his worst moments. This was the first time she’d seen him so completely unraveled, so willing to humiliate himself.
“You don’t need to go that far,” she said, unsettled by his suggestion.
Desperation blazed in his eyes. “But I can’t lose you! The thought of living without you is killing me. I know I hurt you repeatedly because of Phoebe, but I didn’t understand my own feelings then. Just give me one more chance. Please. I’m begging you.”
Hannah studied him, conflicting emotions crossing her face.
After what seemed like an eternity, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, but my answer is still no.”
Kaden’s expression hardened. “I’m not giving up.”
Hannah sighed heavily. “You’re wasting your time.”
She turned to leave, but Kaden suddenly called out, “I don’t have anywhere to stay here.”
She stopped, looking back at him. “Excuse me?”
There was a stubborn set to his jaw. “If you don’t let me stay here, I’ll sleep outside in the rain.”
Hannah stared at him, caught completely off guard.
When had Kaden Humphrey, CEO of a billion–dollar corporation, become so… desperate?
After a long moment, she reluctantly gave in. “Fine. You can use the guest room.”
***
When Ryder pushed open the front door later that evening, he immediately noticed the extra person in the living room.
He froze, eyes narrowing as they landed on Kaden. In an instant, he crossed the room to Hannah’s side, grabbing her hand with unmistakable possessiveness.
“What’s going on?” he demanded, his voice tense with worry.
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Chayer 18
“You’re not getting back together with kom, are you? Yovie we are N
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
