Chapter 24 The days blurred into a haze of tears , silence , and unanswered questions . I stayed at Alices quaint little townhouse on the outskirts of the city , far from the life I had once known . A life that seemed so perfect . A lie I so desperately wanted to believe . Rozens messages came like clockwork morning , noon , and night . I read every word with shaking hands , but I never responded . What was the point of hearing more promises , more reassurances ? I had trusted once . And every time , I was left bleeding . He didnt deserve a reply . Are you sure you dont want to block his number ? Alice asked one evening , placing a cup of chamomile tea in front of me . I shook my head . I want to see him suffer . She didnt reply to that . She just sat beside me on the couch , gently brushing her hand over mine as if anchoring me to reality . The days passed . I busied myself with small tasks organizing things in the guest room , reading to the baby growing inside me , pretending I was okay . But every time I closed my eyes , I saw Rozens face . Every time I turned my phone screen on , his name was there . I had told Alice not to tell him where I was . I made her promise . And she kept it . Until one night , I came back from a short walk to find Rozen standing in the living room . Alice stood to the side , guilt painted across her face . Im sorry , she said quietly . I know you didnt want this , but … maybe its better to stop running . Then she walked out , closing the door behind her . I couldnt breathe . Rozen didnt move . He looked exhausted his eyes bloodshot , cheeks hollow , his jaw covered in rough stubble . He looked like a man who hadnt slept in days . I just wanted to see you , he whispered . To know youre okay . I folded my arms across my chest . You shouldnt be here . But please … listen to me . Just this once . I didnt answer . I didnt move . He stepped closer , hesitant , as if one wrong word would make me disappear . I didnt kiss her , he began . She ambushed me . I met her because I wanted to end it , make everything clear so she wouldnt cause trouble for us anymore . I didnt expect shed do that , much less have someone take that photo . I stayed silent . He continued , his voice cracking . That message you saw … I didnt even know she sent it . I didnt reply . I never planned on seeing her again . But I shouldve told you about it . I shouldve come clean the second it happened Liust- He took a shaky breath I was Chapter 24 59 % 19:32 Fri , 18 Apr known what that would do to me , Rozen . Im pregnant , and I found out the father of my child might still be in love with someone else . No , he whispered , stepping closer . Thats not true . Its always been you . My eyes burned , tears threatening to fall . Then why didnt you tell me ? Why did you let me go on thinking the worst ? I thought I could handle it on my own . That it wouldnt affect us . But I was wrong , he admitted , his hands trembling at his sides . I messed up , Jasmine . I ruined everything . My voice cracked as the tears fell . You dont know what its like … to be betrayed over and over again . To keep believing in people who swear they love you , only to find out you were never enough . I was scared , Rozen . Im still scared . He stepped forward and dropped to his knees in front of me . I know I dont deserve you . But I love you . I love this baby . I love our family . And I will do everything anything to prove that to you . Just tell me what you need from me . I looked down at him , his face pressed against my growing stomach , arms wrapped around me as if he could anchor me in place with the weight of his regret . Give me proof , I whispered . Give me every message . Every call . Show me you didnt betray me . And swear to me that its over . He looked up , eyes glassy but determined . Ill show you everything . You can check my phone , my emails whatever you need . Ill do it . I took a deep breath , one hand resting protectively over my stomach . Dont hurt me , Rozen . I cant take it . I cant raise this child in a home where I have to doubt every word you say . I wont , he said . Ill never let anyone hurt you again not even myself . Just dont shut me out . Talk to me . If youre scared , tell me . If youre hurting , let me help . I dont want to be like them . I want to be better . I nodded slowly , tears falling freely now . Im sorry for running . He rose to his feet and pulled me into his arms , holding me tight . And Im sorry for giving you a reason to . For a long while , we stood there just the two of us , wrapped in the pain and the beginning of healing . Maybe it wouldnt be easy . Maybe there would be days when I would still question , still fear . But in that moment , I knew I had a choice . To keep running … Or to give love one more chance . FM 18 Apr Chapter 25 Audrey's biggest regret? A one-night stand with Floyd, her secret love for eight years. Despite his arranged marriage and his family's troubles, he kept rescuing her. She thought she was just a fling,...