Chapter 191: Forgiveness
Damien crossed his arms, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "What happened? Did you confront Carlos? You were supposed to update me on whatever happened. I was going crazy worrying about you."
Rhys nodded, his throat tightening with a lump as he tried to compose himself. "I know, and I’m sorry. It’s just... things got complicated with Beatrix, and I didn’t handle it well."
Damien’s eyes softened, and he took a step closer. "Complicated how?"
Rhys took a shaky breath, struggling to find the right words to convey the depth of his turmoil. "I screwed up, Damien. I hurt her, and I couldn’t face her after that. I let my own insecurities get the best of me, and I pushed her away. Now she won’t answer my calls, and I don’t blame her."
Damien’s brows furrowed, his concern deepening. "You hurt her? What did you do, Rhys?"
Rhys looked away, unable to meet Damien’s gaze. The weight of his mistakes felt suffocating. "I lied to her, Damien. When she asked me if everything between us was real, I said no. But it wasn’t true. I just... I panicked, and I didn’t know how to handle the truth."
Damien frown deepened, "Why did you panic? What truth?"
Rhys looked at Damien and sighed, "Carlos wasn’t the one who had kidnapped me."
"What?! But we saw the video—it was him....how?"