Chapter 6

Cain's face was full of pain.

If he'd heard me say I'd willingly Sever the Bond before, he probably would have felt relieved.

Maybe even thought I was being sensible.

But now all he felt was something hollow and bitter rising in his chest.

His eyes went a little red.

This was not what he wanted. Cain was sure of that.

For the first time, he humbled himself.

"Elara, I was wrong."

"I do love you. I just realized it too late."

"I don't want to Sever the Bond. Give me another chance."

He held my hand tight.

He was afraid I'd pull away.

I just looked at him calmly.

I didn't know what to feel, facing the man I'd loved for years.

Facing the one who'd taken our pup from us.

I closed my eyes. I didn't want to go around in circles with him.

Didn't want to waste any more words.

"I'm tired."

Cain said quickly.

"Rest a little more. I'll stay right here."

But as soon as he finished speaking, his phone rang.

I was already too tired to wonder who it was or where it would call him away to.

He didn't hesitate. He ended the call.

But it rang again a second later.

Cain hesitated for a few seconds, then stood up.

He answered.

Serena's voice came through, breaking apart.

"Cain, where are you? My stomach hurts!"

"Adrian won't help me. You won't help me either. I'll take the pup and end it all!"

Cain stopped her instantly.

"Don't do anything stupid!"

"Where are you?"

"I'm coming right now!"

He hung up and turned to me with a guilty look.

"Elara, Serena's in a bad state."

"I have to go check on her."

"I'll be back as soon as I've dealt with it."

I didn't answer.

The hospital room stayed quiet. Then footsteps.

I opened my eyes and stared out the window at the trees.

I stared until I lost track of time.

I didn't even notice Adrian come in.

A shadow fell across me.

Adrian was holding a bunch of flowers.

He arranged them in the vase on his own.

"How are you feeling?"

I nodded. "Not bad."

"I'm sorry. My mother will come and apologize to you."

"I'll make sure you're compensated."

"And I'll do what I promised."

"I'll make sure Cain Severs the Bond with you as soon as possible."

I nodded again. "Thank you."

Adrian scratched his head.

He didn't seem to know what else to say.

I could see the guilt in his eyes, but I knew he was a victim too.

"I'm fine," I said.

"But I won't forgive your mother."

"If the Thorne Pack wants to make this right, then do everything you can to keep up the cooperation with my family's business."

My mother had died when I was young. My father later remarried and had other children. I was raised by my grandfather and grandmother. My relationship with my father had never been close.

My grandfather had made me promise, before he died, to do everything I could to protect the Fairfax family's business.

He'd raised me, and when he was sick I couldn't even get him the medicine he needed.

At least now, through Adrian, I could earn some goodwill for the family.

It was the least I could do to honor his last wish.

Adrian sat beside me for a long while in silence.

Then he spoke again. "I have a house in Northern Scandinavia. Front and back gardens, quite a lot of space. I think you'd like it."

"I remember you went there to study art once."

"I have a friend there. If you want to get away and clear your head, I can set it up."

"I'll transfer the property to your name."

"Don't worry about the Bond Severance. I'll handle it for you."

He glanced at me carefully.

I smiled a little and said yes.

"Alright. Just make sure your mother comes to apologize before I leave."

Adrian smiled too.

"Okay."

The day I left, Adrian brought Margaret to the airport.

Margaret's expression was strained.

But she walked up to me and bowed.

"I'm sorry. I was wrong all these years."

I was holding the black card Adrian had given me. I answered without hesitation.

"It's fine!"

I had no interest in knowing what Adrian had said to make Margaret come.

I just wanted to get out of this city.

Margaret stared at me, surprised I'd forgiven her that easily.

I guessed what she was thinking. I said mildly, "I'm not forgiving you."

"But I need an apology to close this chapter for myself."

"'It's fine' isn't something I'm saying to you. It's something I'm saying to myself."

Margaret stood there not knowing what to do.

I waved at Adrian.

"I'm going."

"Don't tell anyone where I am."