Chapter 73

Nathan’s POV

I stood by the door, waiting for Victoria's arrival, my shoulder leaning against the wooden frame as I tried to calm my racing heart. The hallway had never felt so long, and I found myself holding my breath when the elevator doors finally opened.

Victoria stepped out, and I immediately noticed how exhausted she looked—dark circles under her eyes, her usually perfect hair pulled back in a messy bun, her designer clothes wrinkled. She appeared as if she hadn't slept in weeks.

"Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Hi," I replied, just as quietly.

I felt conflicted as I studied her face. Part of me wanted to scream at her for her betrayal, to demand how she could have put Lily and our baby in danger. But another part—a part I hated myself for—remembered our years of friendship, the nights we'd spent talking about everything and nothing.

We both started speaking at the same time, then stopped. I gestured for her to go first.

"I heard about what happened today, from my father," she said, clasping her hands together nervously. "I'm sorry."

I remained silent, watching her carefully.

"I know it was a mistake," she continued, her voice trembling. "One I'll pay for the rest of my life."

When she took a step toward me, I instinctively stepped back. I wasn't ready to let her close yet. Maybe not ever again.

"I know this is all my fault," Victoria said, tears welling in her eyes. "I know I probably shouldn't even be alive. I know you probably never want to see me again, but I never got the chance to apologize... I'm sorry."

My thoughts swirled chaotically. I was still furious with her. If it wasn't for her and Derek, Lily would be safely enjoying her pregnancy, excited about our baby instead of fearing for her life. But I could see the sincerity in Victoria's apology, and it was tearing me apart.

"We've known each other for years, and you betrayed me like this," I finally said, my voice low and controlled despite the storm raging inside me. "Did our friendship mean nothing to you?"

"Our friendship was real, Nathan," she whispered. "It still is, to me."

"You threatened an innocent man's life," I reminded her, the image of that man shaking, willing to sacrifice himself for his family, still vivid in my mind.

Victoria bit her lip. "I protected Derek. I took all the blame."

"That doesn't make it right," I shot back. "Victoria is the victim here. So is Lily. So is my daughter. Not you, not Derek. If it wasn't for both of you, we wouldn't be in this situation at all."

"She got to reunite with her family," Victoria muttered.

"And that justifies everything?" I asked incredulously. "That wasn't exactly a peaceful reunion."

"I didn't—"

"Get out," I interrupted, fighting to maintain my composure. "Just go, Victoria."

In my mind, there was no excuse for endangering Lily and our child's lives. Nothing could justify that.

She turned to leave, shoulders slumped in defeat. But something deep inside me couldn't let it end like this.

"Wait," I called out. "I'll give you one last chance to apologize. Choose your words wisely."

Victoria turned back, tears now falling freely down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Nathan. Truly sorry. We've been friends since we were in diapers—that picture of you holding me when I was one year old says everything about our bond." Her voice broke. "What I did was pathetic, pitiful—terrible. All because of jealousy."

She stared at the floor, unable to meet my eyes, her tears seeming genuine.

I missed our talks, our friendship. Part of me blamed myself, wondering if things would have been different if I hadn't given her false hope over the years. But the main obstacle to forgiving her was Lily—I knew she wouldn't like having Victoria around.

Still, I held onto hope. If Lily could forgive Derek, maybe she could forgive Victoria too.

"I forgive you," I said finally, the words feeling strange on my tongue. "That doesn't mean we're friends again, but I forgive you."

Victoria looked up, surprise and relief washing over her face. "Can we be friends again? Someday?"

"I don't know."

"Will Lily forgive me?"

"I don't know that either."

"I understand," she whispered.

"You hurt a lot of people, Victoria," I reminded her. "Not everyone will be as forgiving as I am."

"I know." She paused. "Thank you for not mentioning Derek's name."

I nodded, grateful for the same courtesy from her.

"How's your daughter?" she asked tentatively.

My jaw clenched. "Are you asking about the child you tried to kill?"

Victoria flinched as if I'd slapped her.

"It's late," I said, effectively ending the conversation. "You should go."

As soon as Victoria left, guilt washed over me like a tidal wave. I realized I should have discussed this with Lily first. I had promised not to betray her again, and yet here I was, making decisions without her. I vowed to tell her the truth about forgiving Victoria, knowing it might hurt her but determined not to keep any more secrets.

I closed the door and leaned against it, sliding down until I sat on the floor. The empty apartment echoed with my sigh.

I had to do better. For Lily. For our daughter.