Chapter 19
+25 BONUS
“You’re going to be fine, Audrey. I won’t let anything happen to you. We have so much life ahead of us. You can’t leave me now,” Duncan whispered, cradling Audrey in his arms. She felt so fragile, and the metallic scent of blood was overwhelming.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Duncan. I can’t stay with you anymore. I’m so tired… so cold… I can’t hold on.” If she could, she would have stayed, but fate had other plans. Her hand rested on her stomach, tears streaming down her face as her voice grew weaker. “Our baby… I’m sorry, I couldn’t bring you into this world. I’m so sorry…!
Baby? Duncan’s gaze fixed on Audrey’s abdomen. She had been carrying their child. But now… the child was gone. The pain in his heart was unbearable, as though it were belig ripped apart. How could the world be so cruel?
Even in his anguish, Duncan knew he had to stay strong. He gently rested his chin on her forehead, whispering, It’s okay. We can have another child. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. Just hold on a little longer–the ambulance is almost here. You’re going to be okay.”
“No, I can’t wait any longer, Duncan. I’m so happy… to be dying in your arms. I have no regrets. Thank you for staying with me to the end. Duncan, I only have one request; don’t marry Heather. She doesn’t deserve you. Only the kindest, most wonderful woman in the world deserves my Duncan…” With those final words, Audrey took her last breath.
“Audrey!”
“Audrey!”
Duncan and Josh called her name over and over, but Audrey was beyond hearing.
Duncan, not caring whether she could hear him or not, leaned in close to her ear and murmured, “In this life and the next, it will only ever be you, Audrey. I will never marry anyone else. Never.”
Ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived, but it was too late.
The sky opened up, and rain began to pour. Duncan cradled Audrey in his arms, walking down the busy streets as though every step weighed a ton, making it hard to breathe
A year ago, Audrey had left him. The day after, he had told her he was getting engaged to Heather. He thought that news would scare her, making her rush back to him. But she didn’t.
So, he swore revenge. He wanted to make her suffer.
And he had succeeded. He had humiliated her, refused to listen to a single word she said, and turned a blind eye when Heather bullied her.
But now, all he felt was regret. And there was no chance to make things right,
The rain kept falling, heavier and heavier, washing away the blood on Audrey’s body. She looked so peaceful, beautiful.
And Duncan kept walking, as if trying to carry her through the life they could have shared together.
Josh followed quietly behind. As he watched Duncan carrying Audrey, he suddenly understood the difference between himself and Duncan.
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Duncan’s love for Audrey had been possessive, Intolerant of even the smallest betrayal, His love was so deep that it had turned into hate. They had loved each other so intensely that neither could let go, clinging to each other with a fierce grip.
hapter 19
+25 BONUS
But Josh’s love for Audrey had always been selfless. All hever wanted was for her to be happy and healthy. That was enough for him. It wasn’t even love, really, but more like the deep care and concern one feels for family.
In the end, Audrey’s wish had been to die in Duncan’s arms. It was time for Josh to let go.
Chapter 20
