Page 53 of One Weekend in London

Along with a future where I’m cherished, possibly even someday loved, and seen for all I am; all that I could be. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted, handed to me on a silver platter by a man who looks at me like I’ve hung the moon and stars.

So why am I hesitating?

Deep down, I know the answer.

It’s the echoes of Maxwell’s cruelty and betrayal, the whispers of doubt and insecurity, which have plagued me for so long, that have created this maelstrom of fear that I’m not enough; I never will be.

I mean, if I wasn’t enough to stop him from cheating, what kind of chance do I truly have with Rhys, who is so far out of my league we’re not even in the same stadium?

A big one, I quickly decide.

Anger takes root in my belly, setting my insides ablaze. Anger directed at Maxwell for his cutting words, but mostly at myself for choosing to temporarily believe them.

But that’s ending. Now.

All it takes is one look into Rhys’s eyes for me to see the truth that’s reflected back at me. The depth of his devotion and adoration, of his unwavering belief in us.

In me.

Screw Maxwell and screw Vanessa.

Those two deserve each other.

As for me? My mind is made up.

The choice I need to make crystal clear.

No more hesitation or doubt.

This. Is. It.

“Yes.” The word falls from my lips like a quick prayer, a vow tattooed on my heart. “Yes, Rhys, I’ll stay with you... for as long as you’ll have me.”

Please be forever.

The smile that curves his lips, reaching his eyes, is blinding—a supernova of happiness and relief, of burgeoning love so fierce it steals every last lick of air from my burning lungs.

He surges to his feet, pulling me into his arms and crushing me to his chest, his heart pounding against mine in a rhythm that feels like home.

“Forever, Sadie,” he rasps in reply, as if hearing my thoughts. “I’ll have you forever, if you’ll let me. Because you, my beautiful belle, aren’t just my soulmate, you’re the other half of my heart. And one day, when you’re ready, I know bloody well I’ll become the other half of yours too.”

Fisting my hair, he bands an arm around my lower back and bends me over it, taking my mouth in a belly-flipping kiss, his lips demanding and firm, his tongue seeking entry.

Butterflies dance in my stomach, taking flight all the way into my chest as I melt into him, into the heat of my desire, a moan escaping me as his hands roam my body, setting me aflame.

We break apart, panting for breath.

“You’re mine now,” he rasps, chest heaving. “Mine to cherish and protect. Mark my words, love, I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take you away from me.”

I shudder in his embrace.

“I’m yours, Rhys. Just as you’re mine.”

It’s at this very moment, with our eyes locked, and the promise of a shared future bouncing between us, the past falls away. The betrayal, the heartache—they’ve become lessons. Mere stepping stones that led me here, to this man, to this chance at true happiness.

Rhys Kensington? He’s my salvation.

Epilogue

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