Page 39 of Merciless Sinner

"Seamus told me you found Olivia," she stutters, holding back tears. "He called me last night. I could hardly believe it. I needed to see you today. I couldn't let another moment pass before speaking with you. You really found her?"

"I did," I reply, and tears slide down her cheeks.

She brings her hands up to her heart and holds her chest as is she’s physically hurt.

Amelia might not exactly be one of my favorite people, but I know she grieved.

Her grief and guilt were worse because of the attempted seduction.

Of course, what Olivia saw wasn't what she thought was happening, at least not on my part. What she saw was Amelia naked and pressed up against me, but she never saw me throw her out of my room.

My guilt lies where Olivia confronted me, where I allowed her to believe what she wanted because of the threat placed on me by my father. I never got to set the situation right.

Amelia told me Olivia messaged her wanting to see her after she spoke to me. She told her that she saw her with me. That was the last message Olivia sent anybody before she disappeared.

"Seamus said Olivia has lost her memory. Does she really not remember anything? Or any of us?" she asks.

"She doesn't remember anything. Or anyone."

"Virgo, I need to see her." She steps closer. “Despite the past and what I did, I need to see her. Thinking she died has ripped me apart every single day. If nothing else, she needs to know how sorry I am and that I should never have betrayed her. Please, I have to see her."

I take in the way her eyes plead with me. I don't give many people chances or any at all, but I feel on this occasion, I should for Olivia's sake. Having a friend might help her remember certain things about her life. Even if the friend hurt her. The two were as close as sisters, and despite what Amelia did, if anyone is able to reach the part of Olivia that used to be mine, it’s her.

I also don’t know if Olivia would have been able to forgive Amelia, but it’s not for me to rob her of that chance when I’m seeking redemption, too.

I plan to come clean when the time is right, but only after she gets used to me again. It may be fair to give Amelia the same opportunity, and especially if it helps Olivia.

That's all I care about.

"Okay," I nod. "You can see her.”

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s important that you don’t stress her out. And I'd appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone else that she's been found until I give you the go-ahead.”

“Of course. I promise.”

"We're also getting married next Saturday," I declare, and her eyes widen.

"Married? Oh, wow.”

"You may attend if she wants you there.”

Amelia nods slowly, seeming genuine. "I'm glad things worked out for you both."

That is yet to be determined, but I don’t tell her that. “Come by the house tomorrow. I’ll message with a time.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Speak to you then.”

She leaves, and I think about the rocky journey that lies ahead of me.

There’s a lot at work, but at least I got Olivia back.

ChapterEleven

Olivia

Good.The house is finally quiet. It’s just past one in the morning, so I assume most of the staff are asleep.

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