Page 156 of In Love with a Cruel Billionaire

Her smile was as wobbly as her voice when she answered, “Nervous breakdown.”

It took him more than a moment to understand. He asked hoarsely, “Because of me?”

She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze as she whispered, “Because of you.”

And at that moment, Mairi knew there was no point hiding from the truth.

Damen Leventis was like a sickness she couldn’t control, an obsession she didn’t want to be free from. It didn’t matter that he had betrayed her with Alina Kokinos, didn’t matter if the whole world thought she was the greatest fool for coming back to him. She would stay with him for as long as he needed her by his side.

She would love him forever, and her love would probably grow with every second she spent with him, but he didn’t have to know. He should never know because that was the only way to survive if the day ever came that he no longer had a need for her.

He whispered painfully, “Mairi, look at me.”

Slowly, she obeyed his command.

Damen sucked in his breath at the shuttered look in her eyes. They were no longer mirrors to her soul, and he wondered bleakly if it was because there was something she had to hide from him.

“I’m no longer a billionaire.”

Her lips quirked, but her voice was soft with hurt – for him – when she answered simply, “I know.”

“And yet you’re here.”

“I’m here.”

Damen looked into her eyes, wishing they would change. But they didn’t. More time passed, which he needed so he could prepare himself for what he was about to ask. He inhaled deeply, telling himself that whatever she said, it would not change a thing. He would always love her.

“Mairi.”

“Yes?”

“Are you here with me out of pity?”

There was no hesitation when she answered simply, softly, “Yes.”

Part V

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