Chapter 101

---- Chapter 101 Giselle stared blankly at Donovan's tall, cold silhouette. It took her a long moment to gather her thoughts before she finally spoke, her voice low and strained. "I'm sorry. I admit it was my fault. I hurt him. I hope you can forgive me. I didn't think things would end up like this. I'm just as devastated as you are." "Enough." He tilted his head back and took a deep breath. Though his heart was drowning in pain, not a single emotion showed on his face.

In the ten hours since it had happened, he had endured the worst psychological torment of his life. He'd smoked through two full packs of cigarettes , his mind spiraling with thoughts and decisions he hadn't been ready to face -until now. "This has nothing to do with you. Leave," he said, his tone seemingly calm. "T'll just wait here. I won't be able to sleep even if I go home." "T said leave!" he snapped, his voice suddenly louder, with a clear note of anger.

Giselle stared at him for a long time, wanting to say something more, but her throat tightened. No words ---- came. She wanted to wrap her arms around him like she used to, to offer some comfort. But the chill radiating from him- the unfamiliar distance and silent warning -made her hesitate. Zachary was still in critical care. The man standing before her was physically and emotionally drained. She didn't want to push him any further.

Without another word, she quietly turned and walked toward the hospital parking lot. Driving home, Giselle felt a splitting headache coming on. It was as if a heavy weight had settled on her chest, making it hard to breathe. All these years, she had lived with a hardened heart. Even if someone she knew dropped dead in front of her, she rarely felt anything. Empathy had never come easily. But when it came to Zachary, the guilt and heartbreak were unbearable.

She wished she had been the one hit by that car. She couldn't let her mind spiral into a worst-case scenario. Every time she did, despair swallowed her whole. Instead of going home, she drove to Vivienne's place. After hearing Giselle recount the tangled mess between her and the two men from the Kane family , Vivienne's eyes widened in disbelief. ---- "You've got to be kidding me. You never told me any of this. You've been involved with Donovan this whole time?

I thought you were going after Zachary! I didn't see this coming at all." Giselle used to tell Vivienne everything about her social life. But her relationship with Donovan had always been the one secret she kept. "Wow. So even rich heirs can fall hard," Vivienne said, still shocked but clearly reveling in the drama. "But seriously , poor Zachary. Imagine seeing the woman you like with your own uncle-" "Can you not?" Giselle cut her off, irritated. "I came here for comfort, not to be laughed at.

I'm already miserable. Can't you tell?" "Miserable over what? This isn't even your fault! You weren't even with Zachary. From what you said, you didn't even hold his hand. He had that accident because he couldn't deal with his own feelings. If anyone's to blame, it's Donovan. This has nothing to do with you." But the more Vivienne spoke, the heavier Giselle felt. She sank into the couch without saying a word. Vivienne caught on and offered her usual brand of blunt comfort. "I get it.