Chapter 169

Cecilia's pov Xavier ignored Sebastian's sarcasm with the smooth, unflappable grace of a man used to sidestepping his own guilt. His eyes locked on mine, softening with that old, familiar vulnerability - the kind that used to crack my armor like glass. "Will you come with me?"he asked quietly. "Just one last time." Right. And I'm the queen of forgiveness. I knew exactly what he was looking for. Same thing he'd been chasing for years: closure. Or maybe a miracle. I held his gaze, letting a slow, saccharine smile curve my lips - sweet, easy, and absolutely counterfeit. "Sure,"I said lightly. Xavier's whole face lit up like he thought I'd handed him a second chance. What he didn't realize was I wasn't offering redemption - I was leading him to the grave where I'd buried our story, six feet under with the rest of my regrets. And I hadn't loved him since the day I picked up the shovel. The four of us climbed out of the SUV. Xavier immediately moved toward me, arms outstretched to carry me.