Chapter 118 Last Meeting With Charles

Chapter 118 Last Meeting With Charles
Fiona’s POV

The meeting doesn’t last long. In conclusion, Mr. Riley and every other person are respecting Charles’ choice. Instead, Mr. Riley promises to invest in Charles’ company, and that’s all. No ties, no nothing. Everything should return to the way it was.

This isn’t a bad ending, though; I’m glad this is how it concluded. Nick and the rest of his family remain in the dining room discussing, while I excuse myself. I need air.

Standing on the balcony, my gaze sweeps through the different sizes and expensive designs of houses in Elite District.

“Congratulations, Fiona.” His voice sounds behind me. My back stills, my skin prickling, before I slowly turn.

“Thanks,” I say curtly. His eyes are still on my belly, and without looking up, he continues.

“Isn’t it funny how crazy fate is?” He smiles, his gaze softening. “No matter how much we run from each other, we always end up in the same space.”

He finally looks at me.

“All this proves my point. We were never meant to be together, but instead friends or acquaintances.”

Friends? I scoff.

I just want him to round off his speech. He’s disturbing the peace I came here to find.

“Firstly, I was your... Steph’s husband. And now, I’m Nicholas’ half-brother.”

“You are not! You didn’t agree to it.”

“Blood doesn’t lie. Yes, I might not have agreed to it, but it’s a fact.” He searches my face for something before continuing. “The more I run away, the more I return to you, but always as someone forbidden. I’ve taken my time to think about things. Everything.”

I watch his chest heave while his eyes drift off. “I apologized to you at the reunion. I still apologized to you before leaving the country. After today, I’ll be gone forever, never to return here. Yet, I still feel like I need to apologize to you—to set things straight between us.”

He sounds so genuine that I almost believe him.

“And I know that you don’t trust me. Who would, after what I did to you? I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I wouldn’t forgive me either, but I’m sorry, Fiona. Yes, it all started as a dare, but the major reason I fled was that I was scared.”

One of my brows quirks, trying to make sense of where this is headed.

“I was scared of love. I watched my mom every day writhe in pain and torture—the pain of being abandoned by someone she loved. Every single day, she was hurting. No one deserves to be abandoned, and I was stupid to do that to you.” He sighs.

“This isn’t an excuse, but an explanation. And you still have every right to hate me. I’m glad that you are happy. I can tell. I might not like any of the Duncans, but I won’t deny noticing how much they care about you.”

I can feel my eyes watering already. And it’s not because of the fact that Charles hurt me in the past—trust me, I have fully healed—but it’s how sincere he sounds right now. Maybe that was all I needed: one sincere apology, and I’d have moved on faster.

“I’m glad your life is back on track. Steph happened; thank goodness it didn’t break you. You are one strong, beautiful woman, and I’m sure Nicholas is lucky to have you.” He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly before adding, “I also wanted you to know way earlier that Steph knew we dated long before the reunion. I don’t know if there’s any need for this information, but I don’t want to hold anything back. So, what do you say?”

I hang my head low so he doesn’t see my tears. What should I say? That I have forgiven him and goodbye forever? My emotions are all jumbled up right now, but if I don’t say anything, this will be the last time I see him.

“Thank you for your apology,” I snuffle before wiping my tears. “It really means a lot to me that you actually apologized. You did twice before, but this one sounds genuine, and honestly, I don’t think I can not forgive you after this apology.”

I shoot him a little smile, which he returns. I never knew a day would come when I’d look at Charles without disgust or pain. People actually heal completely.

“No one deserves to go through what you went through. Wherever your mom is, I pray she’s happy and finally at peace. I don’t hold any grudge against you anymore. As you can see, I am indeed happy.” I let out a small laugh.

“I’m about to start a family with someone I love and who loves me. Steph happened, and I’ve learned quite a lot. But I’m still surrounded by amazing people. Thank you once more.”

“No, thank you for accepting my apology. And yes, that one year was actually the best of my life. It didn’t end well, but come on, you found yourself a real lover boy. That’s a win,” he cheers, and I laugh out loud.

“And baby number one is on the way. You are winning, Fiona. No. You are a winner. Do have a nice life ahead; you deserve it.”

I smile, nodding while I watch him enter the building.

This is going to be the last time I see him.

Starting now, when I think of Charles, this new incident will be etched in my memory forever.

He won’t just be the Charles that hurt me, but the Charles that found his way to me to sincerely apologize and seek my forgiveness.

Letting out a long breath, I’m free.