Page 14 of Cruel Hero

I’ve always known she was too good for me, too pure for the shadows that follow me like a second skin. Yet, hearing her say it out loud feels like a knife twisting in my chest.

“You think Lucas can give you that stability? You think he’s the safe choice?”

“He is. He’s kind and dependable. He doesn’t lie or manipulate or leave destruction in his wake.”

“Kindness doesn’t mean love,” I counter. “And dependability doesn’t mean passion. You and I know you’re not settling for him because he’s the love of your life. You’re settling because you’re scared of what we could be.”

Her breath hitches, and for a moment, she looks like she might argue. But then her shoulders slump, and she looks away.

“Maybe I am scared,” she admits. “But isn’t that reason enough? You terrify me, Adrien. You always have. Not because of what you do, but because of what you make me feel. It’s too much, too consuming. I can’t lose myself in you again.” Her voice cracks, but Tiffany’s hands hold onto me tightly, her fingers digging into my skin.

“Then you need to let me go, angel.”

Slowly, she loosens her hold on me, her hands trembling as if the very act of releasing me is causing her unbearable pain.

I gently cup her face, wiping away her tears.

Then, I step back and let her go for the second time.

Her figure remains shrouded in the garden’s shadows, the moonlight highlighting her tear-stained face.

And I am certain that this very moment will haunt me for many sleepless nights to come.

Chapter 8

Tiffany

The late afternoon sunlight filters through the blinds, casting elongated shadows across the papers scattered on the conference table. I lean back in my chair, rubbing my eyes as I try to focus on the complex financial projections. It’s been a few days since the gala, and the only reason I dragged myself out of bed for this meeting was because it promised a distraction from my wallowing.

You did it to yourself, I remind myself, feeling a familiar sting in my chest.

Across the table, Alexander is bent over a stack of files, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“These expansion plans are quite ambitious.” I break the silence that has settled over us for the past hour.

Alexander looks up, a wry smile playing on his lips. “They are, indeed. But the first step is to get this company to a place where we can start rolling out these plans. We need to digitize our records and ensure that we have a reliable system in place.”

I nod, my eyes drifting back to the papers. There is a reason why all the paperwork for the company is not stored on cloud-based servers and why everything is still done manually—it’s easier to manipulate and hide the tracks of shady dealings. Even if people find out something fishy, the documentation is scattered and in disarray, making it hard to hold anyone accountable.

It’s a necessary step, but I’ll have to oversee every detail personally to ensure no loose ends are left behind. The last thing we need is for our past to come back and haunt us now, just as we’re trying to rebuild.

“I’ll handle the transition.”

“Good.”

I notice the faint shadows under his eyes. He looks as tired as I feel. “How’s Olivia handling all of this?”

“She’s managing. She puts on a brave face, but I know she’s worried about you.”

I stiffen. “I’m fine.”

“Are you? I don’t know you that well, but we’re going to be family soon, Tiffany. And I care about Olivia, which means I care about you too. If something’s bothering you, our door is always open.”

“Thank you, Alexander. That means a lot.” I smile. “We have yet to talk about it, but my sister is the most important person in my life. Marrying into our family won’t be easy, but Olivia deserves someone who will stand by her, no matter what. And from what I’ve seen, you’ve done that. Not only for her, but for me too. I appreciate that, and I wanted to give you my blessing, for whatever it’s worth.” I pause, meeting his gaze. “Just... don’t ever hurt her. She’s been through enough already.”

Alexander’s expression softens, and he nods solemnly. “I have no intention of hurting her, Tiffany. I love her. And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she’s happy and safe.”

I believe him. There’s a sincerity in his voice that’s hard to ignore. Olivia deserves this—someone who will love her without conditions, without hidden agendas.

---