Page 221 of My Ruthless Husband

I blink, surprised. “Oh... So, you’re staying in London a little longer?”

“I’ve been offered a position with a non-profit organization in South Africa. It’s a program focused on providing education and resources to underprivileged children.”

“South Africa?” I repeat. “How long will you be there?”

Matt looks away for a moment, as if searching for the right words. When he meets my eyes again, there’s a quiet finality to his gaze. “For good, probably,” he says softly, and I see the resignation in his eyes. “I don’t think I’d come back.”

“Why?” I ask, a frown pulling at my brows.

His gaze drifts, as if the question itself is something he’s not sure he can answer. “Because this is what I’ve always wanted to do—helping people, making a difference. This program isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a calling. If I can ease even a fraction of their struggles, if I can give them hope, how could I not go?”

His words carry a passion that I can’t help but admire. Still, the thought of never seeing him again makes my heart heavy. “I’ll miss you, Matt. You’re a great friend.”

His smile returns, faint but real. “Can I get a hug?” he asks, his voice small, almost vulnerable.

His question has a finality to it, a goodbye he doesn’t say outright. My eyes well up, and I nod silently.

He steps closer, wrapping me in his arms with a tenderness that makes me emotional.

His hold is warm, strong, yet hesitant, as if he’s afraid to let go. Then his lips graze the crown of my head. I freeze, my entire body going rigid.

“I love you, River,” he whispers, his voice breaking. “I always have… and I always will.”

“Matt, I—”

“I know,” he says quickly, cutting me off, his tone resigned. “I know you’re married. I know you love him. I know I don’t stand a chance, not now, not ever. But… I had to say it. This might be the last time I’ll ever see you, and I couldn’t leave without telling you.”

Tears sting my eyes as his words pour out.

“Thank you, River,” he continues, his voice trembling. “Thank you for being my friend. For coming into my life and letting me be a part of yours, even for just a little while. I cherished every moment.” He pulls back slightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’ll miss you,” he murmurs. “More than you’ll ever know. I—”

The words die on his lips as he’s yanked backward with a force that makes me stagger.

“Matt!” I cry out in shock, my heart hammering as Damian steps into view. His eyes are dark and blazing with rage.

Before I can process what’s happening, Damian’s fist connects with Matt’s jaw, sending him flying across the garden.

“Damian, no!” I scream, rushing forward as Matt struggles to his feet, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth.

Damian doesn’t stop. He stalks toward Matt, his movements predatory and terrifying. In an instant, he grabs Matt by the collar and hauls him up with a force that makes my stomach twist.

“How dare you touch my wife?” Damian growls, each word dripping with cold, lethal intent.

“Damian, stop!” I plead, grabbing his arm and tugging desperately. “You’re misunderstanding! Please, listen to me!”

He doesn’t even glance at me, his focus locked on Matt, who looks more solemn than anything.

“I caught most of what he said, angel,” Damian murmurs, his voice dangerously quiet, his eyes never leaving Matt. The fury in his tone is unmistakable, coiled tight beneath a chilling calm. “It’s taking everything in me not to end him for even daring to speak to you like that.”

The violence in his words sends a shiver down my spine. My breath hitches, panic rising in my chest.

“But I love you!” I cry out, desperation cracking my voice. That finally gets his attention. His eyes flick to mine, the molten rage flickering as I nod frantically. “I loveyou, Damian.Onlyyou. You’re my first love, my only love. You’re my whole life.”

His jaw tightens, his breathing labored. With a sharp shove, he lets go of Matt, who stumbles backward.

Damian pulls me to his chest with an iron grip, his possessiveness unmistakable. I reach up, cupping his face, my hands trembling. “Damian, listen to me. Everyone in this world has the right to their feelings, even Matt. He confessed, yes, but that’s all. He didn’t cross any lines. You can’t—”

He silences me with a fierce, dominating kiss, his lips claiming mine in a way that leaves no room for argument. It’s desperateand consuming, as though he’s trying to brand himself into my very soul.

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