Page 39 of Unfaithful

"It finally blew up in your face, didn't it?" Bobby hissed.

"And you dragged us both into it," Steve added, his voice cold.

I didn't respond. There was nothing to say that would make a difference. Instead, I pressed the button on my car key, unlocking the doors.

"What are you going to do now?" Bobby asked.

I let out a heavy sigh. "Beg. Kneel. Whatever it takes to make Sara forgive me."

Steve frowned, his arms crossed tightly. "And what about the baby?"

I ran a hand down my face, exhausted. "What can I do, Steve? I can't abandon my child."

Bobby studied me, then shook her head. "Do you really think Sara will be okay with that? It's your child with another woman—the one you cheated on her with."

"I'll make it work," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

I had no choice.

Even if it meant proving myself every single day. Even if it meant facing her anger, her disappointment, and the possibility that she might never truly forgive me.

I had to try.

"How did it get so messed up like this, Cole?" Steve asked, exasperation thick in his voice. "I feel like I don't even know you anymore."

I had no answer to that.

Because I didn't know myself anymore either.

Everything had spiraled so far out of control, and worse, I hadn't just ruined my life. I had dragged everyone down with me, trapping them in the mess I had made.

"I'm not asking Sara to fully raise the baby," I said, my voice tight. "She'll still be living with her mother most of the time."

Bobby scoffed. "And you think it'll be that easy?" She shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. "How do you expect this to work, Cole? Elsa wasn't just some ex. She was your mistress. The woman you betrayed Sara with. How do you think she'll feel, knowing you'll be going to their house, spending time there?"

She let out a frustrated sigh. "I've asked you this so many times, Cole, and I think—even now—you still don't have an answer."

"I can't lose Sara, Bobby. You know that."

"I think you already lost her," Steve said quietly. His voice lacked the usual edge, replaced by something almost like pity. "From what I saw just now... she was done with you."

I shook my head, refusing to hear it.

It was too hard to accept. Too final.

"For once in your life, Cole," Bobby said, her voice sharp with frustration, "stop thinking about yourself and think about her. Sara deserves better."

She exhaled, shaking her head. "And you know you can't give it to her."

"I will make her happy, Bobby," I promised. "I know what I need to do."

I meant it—with conviction, with honesty, with every shred of my heart. I was fully committed. "I'll make it work."

Bobby and Steve exchanged glances, something unspoken passing between them. Then, with a resigned sigh, Bobby said, "Steve, let's go. I don't know what else to say."

Steve gave her a small nod, and without another word, they both headed to his car.

I watched them drive away, then turned back to Herston's house—the place where the love of my life was staying. The love I had taken for granted. The love I had betrayed.

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