Page 162 of Far

But I don’t have the strength to reassure him right now, not when my own world is crumbling. So, I just walk past him through the corridors.

I exit the prison, the Italian sun harsh and unforgiving, shining down on me. It’s as if I’m seeing everything for the first time. The lies, the deception, and the grim reality.

My chest tightens, each breath a struggle. The world spins, blurring at the edges. Not now. I can’t lose it here, in this godforsaken parking lot of an Italian prison.

My legs wobble, threatening to give out. I lean against the sun-baked concrete wall, its rough surface grounding memomentarily. But it’s not enough. The panic claws at my insides, threatening to tear me apart.

I whirl around, desperate for something, anything, to anchor me.

And there he is. Connor.

His eyes lock onto mine, steady and unwavering.

The tightness in my chest eases a fraction. I breathe in, focusing on his face. The strong jaw, the slight furrow between his brows. Those eyes that promise me the world. He sees it all. The anger, the hurt, the crippling sense of betrayal that’s become my constant companion. And underneath it all, the traitorous flicker of something deeper that I can’t seem to extinguish no matter how hard I try.

“Mary.” His voice is low and soothing.

And just like that, the panic recedes enough for me to breathe again. To think.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

Am I? I’ve just confronted the man I thought I loved, only to discover he never existed. The real Chris is a lying, manipulative asshole who would’ve drugged me given half a chance. And Connor…

Yes, he lied. Yes, he deceived me. But he also protected me. Loved me. Still loves me, if the concern in his eyes is anything to go by.

“Why did you leave that morning?” The words tumble out, raw and aching for answers. It’s been on the tip of my tongue day and night, but I fear the answer.

Connor takes a measured breath. “I was afraid. Afraid you’d wake up and see me and want him instead.”

“Want Chris?”

He nods, the lines of his face etched with remorse. “I wanted you to know me. Just Connor. Not some illusion or a substitute for someone else.” A flicker of vulnerability crosses his features. “I still do.”

“All I’ve ever wanted was you. Just as you are. No masks, no lies, no disguises between us. Can you give me that? Can you promise to be honest with me from now on?”

“No more lies. I promise you that. Can we start over, Blue?”

Connor. The man who saved me from a fate I didn’t even know awaited me, the man who now stands before me, regret written all over him.

My heart is torn between anger and sorrow. He has betrayed my trust, just as Chris had. Yet Connor is the one I turn to for comfort, the one I need.

“Can we go?” I ask.

“Of course.”

Chapter 43

Connor

Mary stares out the car window, her eyes distant and unfocused. She’s been quiet since we left the prison, lost in her own thoughts. I can only imagine the turmoil she must be feeling right now.

When she confronted Chris, the way her eyes dimmed as the truth sank in—it fucking broke my heart. I wanted to punch that piece of shit for hurting her like that. For making her doubt herself, for making her question what was real. And I could have punched myself in the process, too. I did the same to her.

But then she called me her stalker, and damn if that didn’t make me the happiest man. I know it’s fucked up, but hearing her claim me like that, even after everything I’ve done… gives me hope. Hope that she can see past my mistakes and give me a chance to make things right.

I reach over and take her hand in mine, squeezing gently. She doesn’t turn, observing the scenery rollingby.

I’m not good at this emotional shit. I’ve spent so long hiding behind screens and cameras, watching from afar, that I don’t know how to be real with her. Words aren’t enough.

---