Chapter 23
D
My son. Our son. His tiny fingers curled around mine, his little chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. But all I could think about was Kylie.
She should be here. Holding him. Watching over him. But she wasn’t. Because she chose to run.
My grip tightened around the baby’s blanket. I still didn’t understand why. What made her leave me at the altar? What had been so terrible that she disappeared without a word, leaving me to drown in the aftermath?
None of it mattered now. She wanted to run? Fine. But I wasn’t going to let her stay gone. And if the only way to bring her back was through our son, then so be it.
She would come. I knew she would. And once she was here–I’d never let her go again.”
The door creaked open behind me. I didn’t bother turning around. I knew who it was before he even spoke. My father.”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet like a blade.
I kept my eyes on Angelo. “Taking care of my son.“N
My father scoffed. “That woman already ruined your reputation once, and now you’ve kidnapped her child? While you’re set to marry someone else? You’re out of your damn mind, Ryan.“N
I exhaled slowly, trying to keep my.temper in check. “I’m not marrying her.”
His footsteps drew closer. “Oh, yes, you are. That deal is final. You’re the CEO now–you have to act like one. Our family can’t take another scandal because of your reckless choices.”
I turned then, eyes dark with fury. “I don’t give a damn about the company.“}]
His expression hardened. “Well, I do. And you should too.”
I shook my head, my voice dangerously calm. “You did something, didn’t you?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?“N
I took a step forward, keeping my voice steady. “You made some kind of deal with Kylie. That’s why she left, isn’t it?“\
Something flickered in his eyes. A moment of hesitation. I knew then. I was right.
“You threatened her,” I said, voice shaking with anger. “Didn’t you?”
My father’s jaw clenched. “I did what was best for you.”
Rage surged through me. “You ruined my life.“N
He exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ryan-“}
“No.” I snapped. “You listen to me.” My hands fisted at my sides. “I don’t care about your business deals. I don’t care about the company. And I sure as hell don’t care about your precious reputation.”
My father’s face twisted in anger. “You’re acting like a fool—”§
“I love her.” My voice broke. “And I won’t let you destroy that.”
He stared at me, his jaw tight. Then, after a long silence, he let out a bitter Jaugh.
“If you don’t listen to me,” he said quietly, “I’ll make sure you lose everything.”
I met his gaze, unshaken. “Then do it.”
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