Page 101 of The Arrogant's Redemption

"I don’t care about labels. She’s mine, and I’m hers. There’s no greater certainty than that."

"Then now more than ever, I need to tell you what I found out."

"What is it?"

"I ran into Sheila Walton at a party last week."

"The woman who hates me."

"Yes. Jodie’s sister. And like any Walton, she pretty much hates the whole world. What I’m trying to tell you is—she seemed uncomfortable. I didn’t go up to her. I haven’t forgiven her for what she said to you at the hospital."

"How’d you know?"

"Mom was arriving and overheard. Our families don’t talk anymore."

"I didn’t know."

"How could you? You cut everyone off. Anyway, Sheila came over and said she found one of Jodie’s journals."

"What?"

"She read it—and found out you weren’t the father of the baby her sister was carrying."

I hear a sound behind me and turn.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop," Alexis says as she approaches.

She looks embarrassed—so I offer her my hand and pull her into my arms. "You heard what my brother said?"

"Yes. And I’m still in shock. So . . . your ex wanted you to raise another man’s child."

"That’s right," Seth answers. "The journal didn’t mention the real father’s name—but she wrote that her life would be ruined if LJ didn’t marry her."

"Because of her reputation? My God—single mothers raise their kids just fine."

"You’re an innocent angel, Alexis," my brother says. "Our world is filled with cruel, vindictive people."

"Still . . . from everything I’ve heard, her actions were extreme," Alexis says.

"Anyway, Sheila would like to talk to you," Seth adds, looking at me.

"There’s nothing to talk about. That day at the hospital, she let it all out when she blamed me for their deaths. I took it—Iaccepted what she said. I don’t want her apologies. All I want is to stay far away from that family."

Alexis

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

About Forty Days Later

"You're still doing okay,sweetie? I mean, in your relationship with Lazarus?"

"Yes. Why do you always sound skeptical when you ask that?"

"Because you both have strong personalities. But you can be sure I thank God every day that you’re happy."

"Mom, LJ is trying to make this work between us—and so am I."

"Because you love him."

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