Page 78 of Fake To Forever

I stop a few feet away, unsure of what to say. The last time we spoke, everything felt broken, like we were standing on opposite sides of a chasm that couldn’t be crossed.

“Haven,” he says softly, standing up slowly. There’s a heaviness in his voice, a vulnerability I haven’t heard before. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

I swallow hard, my throat tightening. “Why are you here, Christian?”

He takes a step toward me, his eyes searching mine. “Because I can’t let this end like this. I can’t lose you.”

I freeze, the words sinking in, but the hurt from the past few days is still fresh. “You already made your choice, Christian. You?—”

“I know,” he interrupts, his voice full of regret. “I know I messed up. I thought I was doing the right thing, trying to protect Oliver, trying to handle everything on my own, but I was wrong. I was so wrong.” He steps closer, placing his hands on my shoulders. His warmth immediately comforts me. “I should’ve trusted you. I should’ve talked to you. I was trying to fix things, but all I did was push you away, and I hate myself for it.”

My heart clenches at the pain in his voice, and for the first time in days, I see the man I fell in love with—the man who’s trying, desperately, to make things right. “Christian, you didn’t just push me away. You made me feel like I didn’t matter, like I wasn’t part of this decision.”

His eyes fill with regret, and he nods. “I know. And I’m sorry. I don’t have an excuse, but, Haven, I’m done with Theresa. I’m going to deal with her. I don’t care what she’s holding over me. I won’t lose you because of her.”

I take a deep breath.

“You don’t have to worry about Theresa anymore,” I say, my voice steady. “She’s not going to be a problem.”

He stares at me for a moment, his brows furrowing as a frown crosses his lips. “What do you mean?”

“I met with her today,” I explain, taking a step closer to him. “I recorded her. Everything. She admitted to blackmailing you, to using Oliver to get what she wants. I have it all, Christian. You’re free of her. For good.”

His eyes widen in shock, as he stares at me, trying to process what I just said. “You… you did that?”

I nod, my heart pounding. “I wasn’t going to let her take you away from me. I wasn’t going to let her win.”

For a moment, he just stands there, silent, his eyes locked on mine. Then, before I can react, he closes the distance between us and pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly.

“God, Haven,” he murmurs against my hair, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t deserve you.”

I melt into him, wrapping my arms around his waist as the weight of everything finally lifts.

“Yes, you do,” I whisper. “You deserve someone who loves you, and I do, Christian. I love you.”

He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, his hands cupping my face. “I love you too, Haven. I didn’t realize it until it was almost too late, but I do. I love you more than anything.”

Tears prick my eyes, but they’re not from pain this time—they’re from relief, from joy.

“Then don’t ever leave me behind again,” I say softly. “Don’t make decisions without me. We’re in this together.”

He nods, his forehead resting against mine. “I promise. I won’t. From now on, we do everything together.”

His words are a balm to the wounds I’ve been carrying, and for the first time in days, I feel like we can move forward. We stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the past slipping away and a new beginning unfolding in front of us.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine. “Not without you.”

I kiss him, feeling the warmth of his love, I know we’ve made it through the storm. Together. And my mother would be proud to see what we can accomplish together.

Epilogue

Christian

SIX MONTHS LATER

It's been six months since everything with Theresa blew up, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this much peace. It’s like I’ve finally been able to breathe again. Haven and I are stronger than ever, and Theresa? She’s gone. She gave up her pursuit of custody, just like she promised—probably because she knew we had her cornered. After that, it was radio silence. We haven’t heard from her in months. And just in case, the recording was sent to David for safe keeping. She really won’t be a problem anymore.

Oliver is thriving. He laughs more now, and every time he calls Haven “mom,” my heart does this weird, happy twist. He’s happier, we’re happier, and things feel… settled in a way they never have before.

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