Page 25 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

"I don't expect an answer from you."

That he believed there was a need to say this had her gaze flying to him in dismay. "I know that."

"Then stop acting like I'm invisible."

She hadn't even realized that was how her actions seemed to him until he spoke, and her horror grew. "I'm so sorry, Colin. It's not like that at all." And this time, embarrassment wasn't enough to stand in her way.

She loved him, after all. Even before he had fallen in love with her, he had already stolen her heart. But for some reason, she just...couldn't make herself admit this.

And why was that, God? I love him, but I can't seem to make myself say the words. Please help me understand.

But even as her heart cried these words out to the heavens, Hope was already moving, even stumbling in her haste as she jumped out of her chair so she could rush to her husband's side and throw her arms around his neck.

"I'm sorry, Colin," she whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

He pulled away as if needing to see the truth in her eyes. "You'll only hurt me if you leave."

"I won't. I promise."

And she meant it.

At that time.

But afterwards?

Colin kissed her on the forehead before letting her go. She settled back in her chair just as her phone vibrated against the table. An unopened email from Charlotte awaited her, and she thought nothing of this as she clicked on it.

But apparently, its contents turned out to be everything.

Subject:An official transcript of all correspondence between Heart's Match and Clients Soukoulis, Colin and Tiangco, Hope

Hope could feel her face draining of color as she read what her husband initially had to say.

I asked for someone to make Princess jealous. But you're choosing to send me someone that could turn me into a laughingstock?

"Hope?" Colin immediately headed to her. "What is it?"

She wanted to say the words, but it hurt too much just thinking about them. Her fingers loosened, her phone dropping to the floor with a painful thud.

Colin bent down to retrieve it. And she knew the exact moment he realized what had happened, with his handsome face turning ashen.

"Hope—"

"D-Don't."Because if he lied, she would know it, and that would make things even worse.

Her husband swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too." For herself. For him. For everything.

I don't understand, God. I just don't. Please tell me what to do now.

She tried to look at her husband...and realized that just the sight of him hurt. The knowledge had her jerking to her feet, but when he also stood up to reach for her—

Hope instantly recoiled, the mere thought of having to bear his touch making her want to throw up."Don't!"

Colin's arms fell stiffly against his sides.

"I need space," she said stiltedly.

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