Page 94 of All for her Forgiveness

I try to put myself in Hades' shoes. What would I do if someone I loved like a brother was killed in such a sinister way and the two people accused of the crime were fugitives? For the first time, I consider that, despite Ernest's desire to protect me, it wasn't a good idea to remain on the run. It only made everyone think the worst of me. At the same time, I know there was a chance that I could have spent King's entire pregnancy in prison. At least I had a peaceful one.

"Thank you for talking to me, Amber."

"I'm not trying to influence your decision, only saying that we always have a choice, Kennedy: to live our whole lives clinging to pain and resentment or to give ourselves a second chance. I hated my father for many years and also the people I grew up with. I hated that a part of my genetic burden came from such a horrible man," she says, without detailing what she's referring to, and I don't insist. "I dreamed of happiness, but I was afraid of being happy, you know? But there comes a time when we have to decide between the past or the present, resentment or forgiveness, pain or love."

Kennedy

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

"Are you okay?"Ernest asks after I’ve been silent for a long time. We’re sitting on the floor with King, who’s playing with building blocks.

"I'm confused. Do you know what happened today?"

He nods.

"I was so afraid for both of you. I feared that the same people who were after us would go to the house where we live too. Try to hurt my son."

"Is that why you agreed to marry him?"

"Of course," I reply quickly. "There wouldn't be any other reason."

He doesn't say anything. He puts a wooden block in King's hand, who smiles and fits it into place.

"I can't expose my son to danger, Ernest. King has the right to live a normal life. Soon, he'll need to go to preschool, learn to interact with other children. Hades has nephews and a large family. It wouldn't be fair to deny my boy that."

"I think you misunderstood my silence, dear. As I've told you before, I could die at any moment."

"Don't say that. I can't imagine my life without you."

"It's a reality you need to prepare for, Kennedy. And I'll depart more peacefully knowing you're safe."

"And do you believe I'll be safe by Hades' side?"

"I do, yes."

"Grandpaaaa," King calls, and when Ernest reaches out his arms to him, my son doesn't hesitate, running to sit on his lap.

It breaks my heart to think that we could lose Ernest suddenly, that I'll never have my dear friend again, the only person I trust with my life in this whole world.

"We need to talk, Kennedy."

"Talk?"

"About the past. The time is coming for me to tell you how I came into your life."

"I'm listening."

"Not now, my dear. Take a few days to rest. Tomorrow, we leave for New York. We'll have time to clarify everything there."

"Do you think I made the right choice by agreeing to marry Hades?"

"You did, yes. Not even the most powerful bodyguard would be able to offer you the protection that Hades can. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because he'll be defending his own family. His wife and son."

Hades

---