Michael grabbed Fionaâs wrists, his grip firm, as he tried to soothe her while she glared back, tears brimming in her eyes.
Michael said slowly, âI betrayed Lacey, true. But what has Dulce done to deserve this?â
Fiona retorted with a bitter laugh, âNothing. She helped me. But remember, Michael, I promised Lacey Iâd watch over you. So, any woman who comes near you, Iâll send her packing. Think you can be with her? Think again.â
Michaelâs eyes held Fionaâs gaze longer this time, a realization dawning on him that Fiona was not Lacey, and his responsibility towards her was misplaced.
He pulled her closer, his voice icy as he whispered in her ear, âLet me make this clear. Even without Dulce, I would never fall for you.â
Fiona trembled. âWhat are you talking about?â
Michael brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, murmuring, âYou know what Iâm saying, Fiona.â
For the first time, Fiona felt completely powerless. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught her stepmother spying through a sliver of the door, witnessing the entire scene.
By then, Michael was already distancing himself.
A rush of emotions turned Fionaâs cheeks from red with anger to pale with uncertainty. Could it be true? Did she harbor feelings for Michael? No, that was unthinkable.
âYouâre spouting nonsense! I will not spare Dulce!â Fiona yelled after the figure moving away from her.
She wished for Michael to look back, yet he continued on without a second glance.
Michael halted briefly, then resumed his departure.
Fionaâs inner emptiness consumed her, spreading throughout her body and leaving her overwhelmed by loneliness.
In denial, she cried out, âIâm doing this for Lacey! Everything is for Lacey! Iâm not in the wrong!â
Back at home, Michael found his phone flooded with urgent texts from his parents, begging him not to meddle further with Dulce.
The following morning, as he lay on the sofa, he made a decision to save Dulce. Without him, she wouldnât have suffered so much.
He needed to take responsibility for his actions.
However, the call from the detention center came before he could act.
Michael listened to Dulceâs faint, tired voice on the phone.
âMichael, letâs end this. Iâm leaving the country.â
Michaelâs mind snapped back to the present.
The incessant rain drummed on the car roof, each drop resonating like a melancholy tune that weighed heavily on his heart.
To steer his thoughts away from the gloom, he picked a lighter subject. âHave you got everything sorted for your trip overseas?â
Dulceâs eyes wandered from the rain-streaked window to meet his gaze. âWhat do you mean by that?â
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