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After a night of being shitfaced due to the heavy burden of guilt, Alex thought it wise to see Cheska himself.

He wished she would literally sue him, so he could live in prison until the guilt wore off. As a result of this abrupt decision, Alex woke up and, despite the powerful hangover, waddled to his bathroom and took a quick shower.

After his hasty preparation, he drove to Mike’s place. Ringing the bell, Alex waited until Mike’s fiancée answered the door.

Surprised, she puckered up and put on a smile. “Alex, welcome. Come on in,” she said, pushing the door further open.

Down the hallway, Mike stood like a statue, wondering why Alex suddenly came over to his place.

Alex walked over and stood before Mike, swiping his fingers over the bridge of his nose. He let out, “Where can I find her?”

Mike stared at Alex, knowing exactly who Alex was referring to. With a long sigh, he said, “Arizona. We met on the plane, and her husband gave Aiden their address.”

Alex stalled, the knowledge of Cheska being married didn't surprise him, but the fact that her husband was the one who invited Aiden over did. What kind of man in this era would do that?

“Can I get the address?” He asked uncertainly.

Mike almost said no, but then he remembered seeing a crumpled piece of paper on the seat Aiden sat on while they were on their way back.

Hence, he gestured for Alex to follow him. Silently, they took the elevator and headed to Mike’s car. Flipping the door open, Mike searched the corner of the seat and found the paper.

Handing it to Alex, he muttered thanks.

“Go, Alex. Make things right,” was all Mike said as Alex took off in his car.

Fortunately, Alex’s flight to Arizona left on time, and when he reached his destination, he embarked on the hunt for Cheska’s place.

It took minutes of driving from the airport before he reached their place.

Alex stared for moments longer at the simple bungalow with a picket fence. It was obvious that Cheska and her husband chose this particular place because of their kids. But sadly, Cheska had not been fruitful.

Alex walked up to the porch and knocked on the door, heart roaring. What would be Cheska’s first reaction? He thought and knocked again.

Alex heard feet clomping against the floor from inside the house, and he stilled, crossing his hands over his groin.

“I never thought you’d come so fast…” That was Cheska’s voice. Hell, it hadn't changed a bit despite the years that had swept by, Alex thought as Cheska fumbled with the door handle.

“That was fast…” Cheska momentarily stalled with her eyes wide. She thought it was the delivery man, but sadly, it happened to be the man that featured in her frightening nightmare.

“You?” Was all she could let out as her mind began running furiously down the memory lane.

“Cheska…” Alex tried to speak, but a baritone voice called out from behind Cheska.

“Sweetie, is that him?” Jackson’s voice was so bass, Alex wondered what the man would look like in person.

“No, it’s not,” Cheska blurted out, her eyes fixated on Alex.

Jackson wondered who it'd be because he shoved out of the living room and to the door, only to see a man standing before Cheska, looking exactly like the guy that left yesterday. The only difference is that this one here had blonde hair.

Jackson knew all too quickly who Alex was, and in the next breathing moment, he lurched at Alex and marred his already wounded jaw with a fierce punch.

Surprised by the sudden movement, Cheska gasped. “Jackson, no!”

However, Cheska’s words fell on deaf ears as Jackson rained his pent-up anger on Alex. He had always told Cheska they should sue Alex, but she always avoided the topic.

“Please, hear me out…” Alex sputtered, earning mighty blows from Jackson.

Manageably, Cheska reached over and pulled her seething husband away from Alex.

“Baby, please, it’s enough. I beg you,” she sputtered, holding Jackson away from Alex. The heaving of her husband’s chest clued her in on how angry he was.

“You’re a motherfucker! I’ll make sure you’re locked up,” Jackson belted out, barely holding it in. “When a woman says no, know that she means it, asshole,” he cursed.

“Baby, please, it’s okay…” She pled as Alex struggled to find his footing.

Standing up, Alex swiped at the blood coursing down his jaw. “I deserve it,” he said, making Cheska stare in surprise.

Alex stepped forward again, more bravely this time. “Even if you hit me from now till tomorrow, it won't erase the heavy guilt I feel in me. So, if you decide to lock me up, I wouldn’t argue. I wouldn’t try to defend myself because I deserve it.”

Jackson’s jaw set as he took in Alex’s words. The dude already looked like shit from what Jackson gathered.

“Cheska…” Alex dropped his eyes on Cheska, who held her husband over his stomach. “I messed up, and no amount of sorry would make me feel good. But it was never an intentional act.”

Silence showered over them. Only their roaring breaths could be heard.

“Cheska, I and Aiden had always done things together. Without Aiden, I’d feel empty. Without him, I’m empty. Aiden makes me whole. Our brotherhood was tight, and we wanted one lover.”

“I and Aiden loved you so dearly that I was willing to do anything for you. Even Aiden. But when I heard you telling Aiden it's him you loved, you damaged something inside of me because it sort of confirmed my suspicions that Aiden gets more attention and love from people than I do.”

“That confession killed my self-esteem. It dropped to zero. I began to envy Aiden. And I wanted to go all out to show you I can love you like he did. I wanted your attention and love then too. So, whatever happened that night was a spur-of-the-moment action. I never intended to hurt you. To damage you. I don’t want to play the blame game, Cheska. I only wanted you to hear me out.”

“Ever since that night, I had been looking for you. I wanted to let you know that while I bruised you, I bruised my soul. Over the years, all I had done was wallow aimlessly in the dark, seeking salvation, but none came.”

With tears in his eyes, Alex went on his knees, head lowered. “Cheska, please give me the deserved punishment for my crime. That’s the only way I’ll move on. The only way guilt will stop eating at me.”

Alex’s words stabbed Cheska’s soul. All the while he spoke, she shed tears. Alex and Aiden were two inseparable brothers. But her traitorous heart went to desire for one. And then she brought disunity between them. Memories of how they used to cooperate back in the day assailed Cheska’s mind.

She hurt for her own part in whatever happened. She hurt for Alex’s part, but for how long would she harbor bitterness?

While in thought, the fetus in her womb jerked. Jesus, the baby practically stretched itself, something that had never happened since her eight pregnancies.

Is this a sign? She thought.

“My God…” She uttered lowly.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Jackson asked. Alex’s eyes widened as fear for Cheska brimmed in him.

“My baby moved, Jackson. Does that mean it’s going to stay?” She asked, hopeful.

In her first three pregnancies, none had ever moved; they always stilled, and when she gave birth, the babies died. Others were miscarriages, but this one.

For the first time, a living being moved inside her. That had worried Jackson whenever she complained, but hearing this now, a hopeful smile broke from his lips.

He pulled Cheska close and kissed her. “It's going to stay,” he said reassuringly.

Cheska inched towards Alex and held his hand against her stomach. She wanted him to feel the being moving repeatedly inside her.

She thought she was damaged for life, but no. Having this baby is a miracle, something she does not deserve, but life gave her another chance, she thought.

Cheska knew that forgiving Alex would not only grant her peace but might as well bring more miracles. That’s literally the power of forgiveness.

“Can you feel it?” She asked, happily. Alex nodded. “I'm so happy, Alex. It means so much to me.” She broke into tears. “I thought you damaged me, but no, fate gave me another chance. I figured too late I was not meant for you and Aiden. I wasn’t destined for the both of you.” She sniffled.

“I'm so sorry for hurting you unknowingly, Alex. But I forgive you for everything. You and Aiden sort of made my life back in Texas, and I’ll forever hold it dear to my heart. I forgive you, Alex Hills.”

Surprise flickered on Alex’s features. He stilled. Forgiveness was far from what he expected, but Cheska offered it.

“Cheska…?” He asked uncertainly.

“Yes, I do. I'll not take you to court,” she offered.

Slowly, Alex got to his feet, and Jackson held Cheska to him. At a loss for words, Alex huffed, eyes watering. “Thank you, Cheska. This…it means so much to me.”

After moments of silence, Jackson also offered his forgiveness to Alex. No man is perfect. Jackson sure might have done worse had he been in Alex’s shoes. If life could give them another chance at happiness, then Alex deserved one.

Alex politely declined their offer for food. He needed to hurry back to Sin City and meet with Aiden.

Just as Alex stepped into his car, their lawyer.