Page 144 of Betrayed in the Dark
I take a deep breath. “For years, Eli and I had been exchanging letters while he was in the military. It was just something we did. Something that turned our friendship into more. And last year, I wrote him a letter to tell him that I…that I was pregnant.”
Alex’s brows shoot up.
“And weeks later, I received a letter from Eli. Only it wasn’t from Eli.”
“Cressida?”
I nod. “She pretended to be Eli and told me to get rid of the baby.” I roll in my bottom lip. “I was crushed. Devastated beyond words. I should have never believed Eli would saysomething like that to me, but at that moment, those words just bore themselves into my soul. It killed me. And I’ll never forgive myself for thinking he had anything to do with that.”
Alex sits in the chair closest to him. “Jesus.”
“Yeah.”
“But, what happened to—”
“I lost it,” I answer. “The night I signed my soul over to the devil. I think the stress of everything happening around me was just too much for my body to handle.”
He shakes his head in disbelief. “I’m so sorry, Madeleine.”
“Me too.” I run my hand under my eyes, catching the loose tears. “But I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to punish yourself for what happened.”
“Madeleine, I—”
“No.” I cut him off, not giving him a chance to finish his thought, knowing he doesn’t deserve this. “You saved me. You gave me and Eli a chance to start a family. And I’ll be forever grateful for you. I just hope that someday, you’ll see that you did the right thing with no remorse. You did what had to be done.”
He shows a small smile, one I wish would grow bigger. But I know that won’t happen today. It might not happen for a while.
He gives a slight nod. “I’m sure you’re right.”
I notice the tired look in his eyes, the one that tells me he wants to change the subject but is too polite to say so. “I always am.”
He shakes his head, letting out a small laugh as he looks toward the door. “So, you’re officially a married woman now? Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“Eli is certainly going to have his hands full with you.”
I grin. “He can handle me.”
“I know he can.” He leans back in his seat. “I’m glad you two found your way to each other.”
“Me too. But what about you?”
“What about me?”
“Is there anyone out there who’s caught your eye?”
He swallows, looking away. “No.”
“Someday,” I offer.
“Someday,” he repeats solemnly. Standing, he takes a step toward the door. “Well, I better let the doctor fix you up. And I’m sure Eli is chomping at the bit to get back by your side.”
“Most likely… But, Alex, will you do one thing for me?”
He pauses, glancing over his shoulder. “Anything.”
“Take a shower. Iron your shirt. Shave.” I wave a hand at him. “I’m not used to this version of you, and it’s scaring me.”
