Page 186 of Divine Obsession

“No,” She said, her voice soft but conflicted. “I’ll handle this myself.”

Maria stood, straightening her oversized hoodie like armor, and walked to the balcony door. She stepped out into the cool evening air, and I stayed back, watching from the shadows.

Maria stepped onto the outside area, folding her arms as the chilly breeze swept through. Her voice was low but firm. “What are you doing here, Zach?”

He took a cautious step closer, his hands still buried in his pockets. “Trying to fix what I broke.”

“I told you…” She shook her head, looking away toward the city lights. “It’s too late.”

“It’s never too late.” His voice softened. “Not for us.”

“You can’t just show up like this and expect me to forget everything.”

“I don’t expect you to forget.” He stepped closer again. “I just need a chance to make it right. Please.”

Maria turned to face him. “You want to make it right?”

“Yes.”

“Then leave me alone,” She whispered, walking away.

Zach moved in front of her, stopping her. “I can’t do that, Maria.”

“Then you’re not really sorry.” She tried stepping past him, of course, without resolve. “Because if you were, you’d respect what I need.”

My heart clenched when he lowered to one knee, his hands on her waist.

“Tell me what you want,hermosa. I’ll do anything.Giveyou anything. I’ll beg. I’ll give you a million dollars for every tear I caused. Anything you want from me, you can have it.I’m sorry, baby.”

Her response came in a whisper. “You can’t buy me, Zach.” She pulled his hands off. “We’re over. You need to accept that.”

The last stage.Acceptance.

As Maria walked away, I couldn’t help but feel like Zach had been too late.

But then, he was stalking after her, determination radiating off him.

“Zach…” I said warily as he followed Maria into my living room, but he only touched my shoulder in assurance. I stayed back, not wanting to intervene further.

He rushed after her, as she headed back down to her bedroom. Zach’s hand managed to catch the door at the last moment. Though, he didn’t barge in; only kept it cracked open for Maria to hear his voice clearly.

“I need you to know I’m not walking away because I’m giving up on us. I’mnevergoing tofucking‘accept’that you’re not mine.” His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, forehead leaning against the door. “I’m walking away to give you space, but I’m never not right by your side. I love you, Maria. I’m sorry, but you’re not getting rid of me.”

A moment passed before Zach closed her bedroom door with a soft click.

When his eyes came up to me, I patted his back, walking him out. “I’m sorry. You two will figure it out.”

Chapter 48

Present

Three weeks had passed since Maria showed up on Natalia’s doorstep.

Three weeks filled with Zach trying to get Maria to forgive him, be it apologizing or grand gestures. Though, the last two weeks, he’d changed tactics, and was finally giving the girl some space to breathe. He was still keeping track of her for ‘her safety’ and working on ending Ruiz, but he’d pressed pause on the groveling.

I wasn’t one to comment. I’d given Natalia a diamond necklace she wore for five years with a location chip she had no idea about until recently.

Three weeks of barely seeing my girlfriend…

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