Page 62 of Silent Vendetta (Vendetta Duet)

“Did something happen?”

I shook my head and lied, “Just thinking a lot.”

And that’s where I’d leave it. I shouldn’t have said anything about my problems, but I would bite my tongue about the rest of it—how my world was crashing around me.

Today was the most important day in Luna’s life, and I was not going to do or say anything to ruin this for her. If she knew what I’d just found out, she’d worry about me.

Because that was Luna—someone who could still worry about a person, even after she’d seen the most awful parts of their soul.

“I know my dad is innocent,” she said in a hushed tone. “But over the past twenty years, I’d be lying if I said I never once had dark doubts creep in.” She looked out her window this time, her face falling into sadness. “What if I dedicated the last two decades of my life and my dad was actually guilty?” She pulled her lip between her teeth. “And then I feel like a terrible daughter for letting those doubts seep in. Because in my heart of hearts, I know he’s innocent, and I’m the only person he has left who believes him. Imagine how he’d feel if he found out I’d ever doubted him.”

I wanted to pull her against my chest.

“Luna, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t at least wonder sometimes.”

She was silent for several seconds before whispering, “I just want to be a good person my dad would be proud of.”

“Your dad is lucky to have you, Luna,” I said. “And I’m lucky I met you.”

I’d never meet anyone like her again, nor would I ever feel this deeply for another. My love for her was so profound, it shook me to my core; her very presence was an intoxicating melody echoing within the chambers of my heart.

Each time I looked into her eyes, a myriad of stars gleamed back at me, reflecting a universe of possibilities. And yet, none of these possibilities included me anymore. I was an unwelcome silhouette, basking in the brilliance of a luminous soul.

Not that I could blame her, the twisted and scarred man that I was.

The gentle curve of her fingers under my thumb sent shivers down my spine, and in a moment of selfishness, I pressed my lips to the back of her hand.

It was a desperate, primal act, one that betrayed my uncontrollable passion and feelings for her. She let out a soft gasp, her lips parting in surprise, her breath mingling with mine.

It was an intense moment, an eternity folded into seconds.

Her eyes were a kaleidoscope of sorrow and resignation.

I understood then—the haunting look she’d been giving me the past couple of days, that she’d been wrestling with a decision. One she’d made. That at some point before or after this hearing, she was going to turn me in.

There was a bitter sweetness to the revelation, a pain that stabbed deep and twisted, yet amidst the heartache, I loved her still.

It wasn’t her fault. I didn’t blame her; if anything, I was proud of her strength, her courage, and her integrity, even though it meant my own undoing. She was radiant in her unwavering conviction, an epitome of everything good and just in a world that had proven itself to be anything but.

I memorized the curve of her cheek, the softness of her lips, and the familiar scent of her skin that had become my lifeline. I ran my fingers through her hair, each strand a promise, a memory, a farewell. The hum of the car’s engine became a metronome to my final moments of freedom, each rotation of the tires a reminder of the impending end.

I could stop her. Deny her access to the exit, hold her captive in this bubble of time that was ours and ours alone.

But I wouldn’t, couldn’t. Not her. Not when she had the most important moment of her life. My love wouldn’t rob her of that, not even if it cost me my freedom.

I could drop her off, board a private jet, and leave the country.

But I refused to be a coward. Not with Luna. Even if I’d destroyed any chance of being with her, I’d own my sins and take my punishment. I’d be the man Luna wanted me to be.

The gravity of her decision hung between us, every silent moment heavy with unspoken words. Her tears were a reflection of my inner conflict—of love battling against inevitability. I blinked away my own tears, wanting to be the stronghold she could lean on.

The memories we shared, the moments where our hearts beat in tandem, all flooded my mind.

My hand squeezed hers once, twice, a silent message that I hoped she understood.I love you. I’ll always love you.

Our burning love was now reduced to dying embers, but there was a beauty in its destruction, a selfless adoration that withstood the impending fire, even if it was to be its ruin.

A single tear slid down her cheek, marking the end of an era, the beginning of an end.

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