Page 32 of Worship Him

He doesn't respond, just turns away from me again. As I step outside, the tears I've been holding back finally spill over. I've fucked up so badly, and I have no idea how to fix it.

I climb into my car and drive off, not sure where I’m going. I just want to hit the road until I feel better.

The memory of Adam’s anger is still fresh, burning like a brand. I grip the steering wheel tighter, trying to keep my emotions in check. The trees blur past, their tall forms swaying in the wind, almost mocking my turmoil.

Finally, I reach the secluded spot just outside the city I didn’t even realize I was driving to.

The clearing by the lake is exactly as I remember it—peaceful, serene, untouched by time. I step out of the car and make my way to the water's edge. The cool breeze rustles my hair, and I close my eyes, letting the memories wash over me.

This is where we had our first kiss. Adam had taken me here after a long day at work, insisting that we needed a break from the chaos of the city. I remember how he looked at me, his dark blue eyes filled with an intensity that took my breath away.

I was intoxicated by the view and his presence, whispering how beautiful the scene was.

"Not as beautiful as you," he had whispered before pulling me close.

I open my eyes and look at the spot where we stood. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Back then, I was so happy, so in love with him and his strong, dominant personality. Adam always knew what he wanted and went after it with unwavering determination. It’s one of the things that drew me to him.

Now, standing here alone, I can’t ignore the harsh reality—I’ve betrayed him in the worst possible way. He may never forgive me for keeping Avery a secret.

I sink down onto a large rock by the water, wrapping my arms around myself. The sound of the gentle waves lapping against the shore is almost soothing.

Almost.

"I’m sorry," I whisper into the empty air, as if he can hear me.

My mind drifts back to all our moments together—the laughter, the passion, the love that seemed unbreakable. But now it’s shattered into a million pieces because of my fear and mistakes.

I pull out my phone and stare at it for a long moment before dialing Barrett’s number.

"Destiny?" he answers on the second ring.

"I told him," I say quietly.

There’s a pause on his end. "How did it go?"

"About as well as you’d expect," I reply bitterly. "He’s furious."

Barrett sighs. "It was inevitable."

"I know," I say softly. "I...I don’t know what to do now."

"You’ve taken the first step," he reassures me. "Give him time."

Time. It’s something I stole from Adam when I kept Avery from him. Now it’s what he needs to process everything.

"Yeah. Thanks, Barrett," I say before ending the call.

As I sit there by the lake, surrounded by memories and regrets, one thing becomes clear, though I’d love to deny it: I still love Adam as much as the day I married him. But whether or not he can ever forgive me is something only time will tell.

The sun sits high in the sky, casting a lively orange glow over the water. The beauty of it all contrasts sharply with the chaos inside me.

For now, all I can do is wait and hope that somehow we can find a way to make things work so Avery can live the happy life she deserves.

13

ADAM

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