Page 97 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

Ethan's gaze filled with admiration. "I always knew you were strong. You wouldn't have survived this week if you weren't."

Andrew yelled louder as the pain gripped him. "Need help," he begged, giving me an imploring look. "Don't let me die, Lauren."

I walked over and looked down at him, at the man I'd vowed to stand by and love forever. "Why shouldn't I let you die? You were going to kill me."

"Because you're not a murderer, Lauren. You're a soft, sweet, kind person."

"Oh, please." I stared down at his handsome face and realized how ugly he really was. "You told me to grow a spine. Well, guess what? I already have one. I also have a heart, and I want you to know something, Andrew. You did not break it. You did not break my heart or me. I am not like the fake diamond you threw against the wall. I'm the real thing, and you never deserved me."

As I finished speaking, I heard the sirens, and a moment later, help arrived from the sheriff's office, the fire department, and hotel security. As one of the deputies unlocked the cuff on my wrist, Ethan related what I'd told him about the situation. Then we made our way downstairs and out of the lighthouse to give the others room to work.

It was after five when we got outside, and the sun was sinking lower in the sky. It was a beautiful view and one I appreciated even more because a short time ago I wasn't sure I would see another sunset.

"It really is over now," I said as I let out another relieved breath.

Ethan met my gaze and nodded. "It is. I'm sorry for everything you went through, Lauren. I wish I'd found evidence against Andrew six months ago so I could have saved you from all this pain."

"I don't blame you for anything. I blame myself for being so easily taken in. Andrew caught me at a low moment in my life. I was an easy mark. I was lonely after my mom died. I'd spent so much time taking care of her, I'd lost friends, I'd been away from the workplace. I had to start over, and burying myself in work kept me busy, but I wasn't really living. When Andrew saved my life, he changed me. And even though I know it was all fake now, he did bring me out of my shell. I guess that's something."

"Don't let him off the hook. I liked what you told him up there. Because the woman I see standing in front of me now doesn't look broken at all."

"I don't feel broken anymore, but the truth is I did feel that way after my mom died. Andrew saw my weakness, and he exploited it."

"You're not weak anymore."

"I know. I proved that to myself when I survived being stranded in the ocean, and I proved it again tonight." Taking a breath, I added, "I really don't want to have to prove it again."

"You won't have to. Andrew and his crew are going to prison. Bennett will be charged with murder and attempted murder. And Victor…well, I guess he didn't break any laws. But his future with you is probably up in the air."

"He won't care about that. It's not like he's losing anything. He never had me in his life." I shrugged. "And since you've recovered his collection from Jay, and he still has a diamond worth millions of dollars, I think he'll be fine."

"What about the secret you two share?"

"I'm not sure what to do about that. He said he didn't know of my existence until I was twelve, but even then, he didn't acknowledge me. Bennett told me Victor could never leave Paula because he'd lose too much financially. I guess she'd invested her own money in the company." I paused. "Bennett said Victor spent a ton of money on my wedding because it was for me, for his daughter."

"Maybe he did spend more because you were the bride. He wanted to throw you the perfect wedding."

"That doesn't make up for not being my father. And he didn't even bring the real diamond to trade for me. What does that say?"

"I have no idea," he said, giving me a sympathetic shrug. "I guess your mother never told you about your father."

"She made up a fake story, too. I wish I knew why." I paused as the paramedics brought Andrew out of the lighthouse and put him in the back of an ambulance. He seemed to be unconscious now, and I was fine with that. I didn't want to look at him again. I'd seen enough.

Two sheriff's deputies then escorted Bennett and Colin to a waiting vehicle. Bennett's shoulders were slumped in defeat. Colin appeared more defiant, but it didn't matter how either of them felt. They'd lost, and I'd won. That felt good.

Victor was the last to leave the lighthouse. He was able to walk on his own, albeit with the help of Martin Demora.

Victor's steps slowed as he reached us, and his gaze met mine.

"Lauren," he said, sending me an imploring look. "I know you may never want to talk to me again, but I want to thank you for saving my life. You are a remarkable woman." He gave me a regretful smile. "Very much like your mother, in fact."

I didn't know what to say to that.

Then he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a velvet-covered box. "This is for you."

"What is it?"

"Just take it. Please."

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