Page 69 of Of Vows and Betrayal

“I know,” I interrupt, standing up. “I’m dealing with it.” I want to tell them more. I want to tell them everything, but right now, I don’t think I’m in the proper headspace to do it.

I grab a beer from the fridge and stay in the kitchen for a while, drinking it slowly. I need some time for me—to unwind. I’ve not stopped since Tiago told me about her marrying Dario, and even if it was a few hours ago, theexhaustion feels like it’s days old.

“Derek left.”

I nod, keeping my back to him. I knew he would—he won’t be able to stop himself from trying to fix things, trying to mitigate the damages my impulsivity caused, and no matter how angry he is with me, I know that he will always have my back. Just as Tiago will.

“It’s going to be okay.”

I finally turn toward him as he stands in the kitchen doorway. I take a sip, keeping my eyes on him. “Is it?”

He nods confidently.

“How do you know?”

“I have faith. I know you don’t, but I have enough for both of us.”

I don’t feel like mocking him this time; I don’t want to taunt God or the universe or whatever. For once, I want to have faith in him. For once, I truly want to believe that things will work out. I need them to work out.

“I’m in love with her.”

“I know.”

I lean against the counter and sigh, running my hand through my hair.

“What is it? Talk to me.”

“It’s—” I stop, taking a drink.

“It’s what?” He gives me a self-deprecating smile. “I’ll listen. It’s kind of my job.”

“I know, but I’m angry and guilty and in pain. But in love, it’s everything and nothing at the same time. I love you, Tiago, but I am so angry at you at the same time. I understand why you kept this truth, but I can’t help butwonder how different things would have been if I had known.”

Tiago’s eyes are filled with regret as he speaks. “I made a promise to her, a promise I couldn’t break. And you were so lost in your hate, in your revenge. At first, I was misguided. I was so scared to lose you, too, that I thought I’d rather you be lost in your hate as long as it meant you kept on breathing. Then time passed, I went to seminary, and it was too late, Javier—far too late.”

“Far too late…” I nod. It may be far too late for that, but it’s not far too late for Ophelia and me. I won’t give up without fighting.

“You made poor choices, yes, but you deserve to be happy and loved.”

“We both know life doesn’t always give you what you deserve.”

“No, you’re right,” Tiago agrees. “But it usually gives you exactly what you need.”

I let his words sink in, feeling a glimmer of hope despite the overwhelming guilt and anger. Maybe Tiago is right. Maybe, despite all the mistakes and the chaos, I can still find a way to make things right. To protect Ophelia and build something real with her.

I finish my beer and set the empty bottle on the counter. “Thank you, Tiago. For everything.”

He nods, giving me a small, encouraging smile. “We’ll get through this. We always do.”

I take a deep breath and straighten up, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “I need to check on Ophelia.”

Tiago nods and steps aside, allowing me to pass. “Ishould get back anyway. You know where to find me if you need anything.”

I head back to the bedroom, my heart heavy but resolute. As I approach the bed, I see Ophelia lying peacefully, her chest rising and falling with each breath. The sight of her calms me, grounding me in the moment. I sit on the edge of the bed and gently brush a strand of hair from her face.

“I’m here,” I whisper, my voice soft and filled with emotion. “You’re safe.”

She doesn’t stir, still lost in the depths of her drug-induced sleep. I take her hand in mine, feeling the warmth of her skin, and it reassures me. This is what I’m fighting for—this moment, this person, this love.

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