Chapter 42
ARI
When I came out of the shower the other day, I got this weird feeling that Nathan had been in my apartment. It was as if I could smell his aftershave as his phantom fragrance filled the air.
I miss him, so maybe that’s why I’m imagining things.
I still can’t bring myself to call him—I feel awful lying about being sick when I’m perfectly fine health wise.
Heartbroken for my family, yes, but otherwise I am fit and well.
Guilt lingers—I should have told him the truth about who I am and if I don’t return to work soon, he’ll get suspicious.
Still, my guilt is different now. It’s not just about deception; it’s about what I’ve uncovered.
I’ve yet again dissected every piece of evidence surrounding my family’s deaths, read everything twice, three times—sometimes more. I hired a PI, who agreed to help me as an emergency and worked tirelessly and solely on my case. It cost me some of my savings, but I don’t care. It was worth it.
And now, I finally see the full picture. I know who is lying and who’s telling the truth. Relief floods through me. It all makes sense.
And maybe it wasn’t the outcome I wanted but I have to learn to accept the facts.
But first I need to tell Nathan who I am. If I want a future with him, I have to be honest. I can’t hide who I am anymore.
Heart pounding, I grab my phone from the coffee table. My fingers fly across the screen as I message him, urgency fueling every tap.
Me
I’m coming back to work tomorrow. x
Nathan
Fine.
Me
See you tomorrow. x
Nathan
Looking forward to it.
No kisses? That’s strange, he always puts kisses on the end of his messages.
Me
Everything okay? x
Nathan
Never better.
Me
I could come home tonight. I’m not snotty anymore. x
Nathan
I’m meeting friends for dinner. See you tomorrow.
Friends? What friends? And dinner? Nathan works every hour that’s available to him. He never goes out with friends. His brothers? Yes, and me, but never friends.
Me
I could come with you. x
Nathan
It’s a business dinner.
Me
Okay. x
No reply.
Jeez. Mr. Crankypants is back.
And that’s why I need to get back to work.
When I’m there, I keep him in check and he’s way less of a nightmare to deal with.
A “human tranquilizer” is how Joseph described me.
I’m excited to see everyone again tomorrow, especially Nathan.
I’ve missed him, all of him, grumpy pants and all.
And I’m sure he’ll understand when I explain my reasoning for getting the job at Hart Law in the first place and why I had my doubts.
I’m sure he will.
He’s a reasonable man.
My man.
The man I love.
I wish it was tomorrow.
Then I can tell him that his father was not to blame for the injustice I thought was brought against my family, nor is Kevin Taylor. And that they were right about Julie all along. She’s a fake.