Page 102 of Painting Her Fate

“I had a severe ectopic pregnancy and nearly died from a ruptured fallopian tube. Doctors found other scars and trauma.”

“Christ.” He releases my hands to wipe away my tear-stained face, his own streams falling steadily as he places a brief kiss to my lips.

“When I came clean to the investigators, mum was the first to deny it, said I was at the age to be sneaking boys home after school to shag, my mate Patrick’s name also thrown in the mix. Gran quickly dispelled that notion.”

Patrick should’ve never been subjected to any of the questions they asked him. He had no part in any of this other than being my best mate.

“I do noteverwant to meet your mother.” He bit out.

He is acting better than expected. Is he about to explode in rage?

“Isaac’s coworkers were the ones to arrest him, that part can be found on public record, but everything else has been sealed away. My stepfather, Raymond, he is the top lawyer at the firm my mum worked for at the time. He took over everything; paid people off to keep them quiet, obtained proper channels for the incident to never see the light of day, and found me a great therapist.”

He regains his voice, “And Isaac is still in jail?”

I nod, “He received eleven years and probation, taking a plea deal. According to his lawyer, it was the mixing of his prescription with alcohol that contributed.”

He grinds his teeth, “He should be in jail a hell of a lot longer than that. Better yet - he should be dead.” Tears still stream down his face; I unclasp my hands from his and comfort him for once. I take my hands and wipe his tears away. He grabs at my wrists tightly but not causing discomfort, “Stop.” I fall silent, my hands starting to tremble again at the fear of what he might do. My gaze moves down to stare blankly at my lap. His grip lightens and a curse leaves his lips as realization sets in. He touches my chin to bring my eyes back to his. “I'm sorry.”

My irritation begins to stir as I knew all this was too good to be true,

“I understand if you want to leave. It's a lot too-"

*Harsh* “Lili!” He sighs and rubs at his forehead, regret flooding his countenance, “I was upset that you were trying to comfort me.” His hands cup my face, “Like I have told you before, I'm going nowhere.”

Our foreheads connect as I close my eyes.

My anger wanes as confusion sets in, “I can tell you're angered about the news, about Isaac.”

Zander sits upright, “Hell yes, I’m mad. He deserves to rot in a jail cell.” He takes a beat to control himself, “That doesn't mean I’m going to leave you over it. We all have our demons, Lili, even me. I want to be the one who sees this man’s ending.”

I'm stunned silent. He isn’t leaving me. “You're not leaving? I have a lot-”

“Let’s take it slow.” He cuts me off, “are you okay with that? There is nothing but time for us.” He looks directly into my eyes, “I'm falling for you, Lili.”

I gasp, these are the exact words I have felt for him, only I have been too afraid to say it myself. Before I start crying again, I lean in and press my lips to his. After a moment I break our kiss, “I have never felt like this before with someone. It scares me a little.”

“If there were no fear involved, we are not living.” His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes, eyes with gleaming golden lightning.

“That is very philosophical, Mr. Gorski.” I eye him knowingly. My sensitive poet. He huffs a laugh at my jab.

“I don't know how soon I may be ready to tell you more than this. But if you will be patient with me, all my secrets could be yours someday.” I peck his lips once more. ‘Can you hold me? Or do you have to open the bar?”

“Of course, I can hold you, always.” He pulls me into his lap and I’m more than pleased to be right here.” We reopen Tuesday, after Easter and Dyngus Day.” He let out a chuckle at finding my confusion, “Care to join me Monday? Fair warning, you might get a little wet.”

“Sounds like fun.” I snuggle into him, nostalgia washing over me at the memories of Gran and I keeping up with traditions. It's my first Easter away from London and will be sure to video chat with her. I need her to fill me in on all her happenings in the land down under. I am happy see she can relax a bit more now. That bond we share is still going strong. It gives me hope to know that once she finds out about Alexander, Tamara being the first to spill the tea, she will welcome him with open arms.

I can’t wait.

_CHAPTER 18 - ALEXANDER_

“So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.”

– Robert Frost (Nothing Gold Can Stay)

I’m here, she’s here, too.

Gorski magic did its due.

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