Chapter 131
Chapter 131
“Nolan,” Ellie’s voice cut through the noise like a blade.
I let go instantly, stepping back, the fury still humming through my veins. She looked between us, confusion and frustration etched across her face. “What’s going on p>
“Ask him,” I said tightly.
She turned to Kieran. “What did you say p>
“Nothing you didn’t already know,” he said smoothly, brushing invisible dust from his sleeve. “We were just having a friendly discussion about your future p>
Her brows drew together, but she didn’t respond. She looked tired-tense in a way that twisted something in my chest. I hated that this was happening here, in front of everyone. I hated even more that he’d made her feel cornered.
I took a step toward her. “Ellie. Can we talk? Alone p>
She hesitated. Then, slowly, she nodded.
We moved to the edge of the ballroom, into one of the quiet adjoining halls where the music dulled to a distant hum. The second we were out of sight, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.
Her brow furrowed. “About what p>
“The pregnancy.” The words came out rougher than I meant. “Why did you hide it from me p>
Her eyes widened, and for a heartbeat, I saw pure panic flash there. Then she crossed her arms, her chin lifting defensively.
“You think that’s something I could’ve told you? After everything you did? After the way you looked at me like I was a burden you couldn’t shake p>
“I would’ve “I started, but she cut me off.
“You would’ve kept me here,” she said, her voice trembling but steady. “You would’ve used the babies as another reason to trap me. And I couldn’t do it, Nolan. I couldn’t spend the rest of my life being hated by the man I was bound to p>
The words hit harder than any punch. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Because she was right. That’s exactly what I would’ve done. Back then, I was too proud, too broken to let her go, even if it meant crushing her spirit to keep her.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “Ellie My voice cracked. “I don’t hate you p>
She didn’t answer, just stared at me, searching my face like she was trying to decide if I meant it.
Finally, I took a breath and forced the truth out. “I love you p>
Her eyes widened. “What p>
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“I love you,” I repeated, the words raw, real, terrifying. “I should’ve realized a long time ago, but things were… it all got away from me. I’m not good at this, at emotions. I was too angry, too proud to admit it, but it’s the truth. I don’t expect you to feel the same. I know that I don’t deserve anything from you after the way I treated you, but I need you to know p>
Her lips parted, but before she could respond, a hush rippled through the corridor. I turned my head and saw movement, figures at the edge of the doorway.
Two guests, standing frozen, wide-eyed. Then three more. Whispers were starting to spread like wildfire.
They’d heard me.
The noise from the ballroom began to shift, subtle but unmistakable, the sound of gossip taking form. I felt my stomach sink as realization hit.
My confession wasn’t private anymore. The entire hall would know before the night was over.
And Ellie’s eyes told me everything I needed to know about what she was thinking. That I’d just made everything so much worse.
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