Chapter 12 - THE NIGHT DORIAN FINALLY TOLD THE TRUTH
Dorian told Alina everything.
Not just about Gabriel.
About his father.
His criminal empire.
The violence he'd witnessed.
The choices he'd made.
And the fear that had controlled him since childhood.
He admitted that when Gabriel disappeared, he'd convinced himself that love made people vulnerable.
So he'd stopped allowing himself to show it.
He worked longer hours.
Came home later.
Stopped touching his wife.
Stopped asking about her day.
And eventually, made her feel like a stranger.
Alina listened.
Then asked:
“Did you ever stop loving me?”
Dorian's eyes filled.
“No.”
She swallowed.
“Then why did you let me believe you did?”
His voice broke.
“Because I thought if you hated me, you'd leave before someone could hurt you.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
“Dorian.”
He looked at her.
“You don't get to decide what protects me by breaking my heart.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
She wiped her face.
“And you don't get to use fear as an excuse to stop being my husband.”
He closed his eyes.
“I know.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Alina reached for his hand.
“I'm not promising we'll stay married.”
Dorian nodded.
“I understand.”
“But I'm willing to see whether we can build something honest.”
His expression changed.
Hope.
Quiet.
Careful.
May you like
He squeezed her hand.
“That's more than I deserve.”
