She appears to sense one thing, and her eyes sparkle with unshed tears.

I like her rather a lot. Hell, I’d even love her. However I can’t have her.

“Thanks for being right here,” I say, listening to the sharp fringe of my phrases.

“After all.” She sounds nearly confused, however calm and relaxed as she approaches the opposite facet of my father and reaches out to the touch his shoulder. “He’s cussed, however truthful.”

I wish to level out that he beloved her greater than me at factors, however there’s nothing to be gained from that honesty. I don’t wish to maintain onto the painful moments. I wish to maintain onto the nice that I bear in mind from him, not the moments that harm.

And I fear that Emma would possibly expose a few of his secrets and techniques. The lower than savory issues that I do know she’s aware about. I don’t need her to destroy all the pieces he labored for, all the pieces he sacrificed for, all the pieces he’s leaving to me.

“Household secrets and techniques don’t go away this room,” I say, wanting down at him once more.

“After all.” She sounds shocked once more. “You don’t suppose I’m a risk, do you?”

I look up at her however say nothing.

“I’ve at all times been loyal to Anton. Simply due to what occurred,” she blushes as she speaks, “between us doesn’t suggest I’m any much less loyal to him, the agency, otherwise you.”

I belief her phrases and one thing in me relaxes.

“You realize we will’t… anymore, proper?” I say, hoping she will be able to piece collectively my that means. We will’t be collectively anymore.

“This modifications nothing for me,” she says softly, and I hear the harm in her voice.

Each little bit of me yearns, reaching out to her internally, whilst I preserve tight management over my physique and actions. I have to put distance between us. “I can’t take over for him and break the principles of the corporate.” I can’t get a lot clearer than that.

Her chin jerks up, her lips half and she or he sucks in a pant of air as she stares at me. I sense she needs to talk, however no phrases come as she research me like I’ve struck her.

“After all,” she whispers lastly.

Deep down she has to know we won’t have one another and that we won’t be collectively.

I have a look at my father and surprise what he would say. Would he inform me to observe my coronary heart or observe my head? I’ve little question that he would inform me to choose obligation over one thing foolish and inconsequential as love. In a battle of happiness or success, success at all times wins in his thoughts.

Nonetheless some a part of me needs to alter the reply and I do not know what to do. I’ve already made my determination and there’s no going again… irrespective of how a lot I’d wish to.

Chapter Eighteen

Emma

I stare at Clifton, hoping he’ll say one thing. Something. However he simply appears away, avoiding my gaze.

I can’t assist however suppose he is shutting me down, and it hurts.

I actually like him, and I truly really feel like we might make issues work, however this monkey wrench has actually wrecked our probabilities.

I additionally know he is going by means of rather a lot, sufficient that I don’t count on him to be in a transparent frame of mind or capable of make stable judgment calls.

I imply, his father is in essential situation, he is likely to be watching him die, and he has to take over his father’s agency. That’s lots of strain for anybody, and sufficient uncertainty that I might in all probability really feel crushed beneath the load of all of it.

The very last thing he wants is for me so as to add any stress to his already strained psyche.

“I’m right here for you, should you want me,” I say softly, however I’m unsure he’s listening or can hear me. He’s one million miles away in his personal thoughts, and I don’t blame him for not being current.

I wish to inform him that I care about him and I am pleased to assist with no matter he wants. As a substitute, I say, “Name or textual content anytime, for any motive. You’re my pal and I’m in your facet.”

However he does not reply. He does not say something in any respect. The person I’d shared magical moments with does not even have a look at me. As a substitute, he provides a nod and research his father.

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