Chapter 83

83(Lucian’s POV) Ours

Lucian

I held Mara’s hands, trying to anchor us-trying to bring her back to me. I could see it in her eyes: everything she witnessed today had gotten under her skin. It would’ve gotten under mine, too. What she saw looked bad-me holding Tina’s hand, standing over her like she still mattered. But she didn’t know I had to restrain Tina just so the doctor could clean her up and do the exam. She wouldn’t let them touch her unless I was there.

Tina knew exactly what she was doing. And I knew exactly what I had to do now-end this. She had caused enough damage already.

We stood in front of the house I had rented for us. A quiet place, tucked away, meant to feel like home. I tried to gauge Mara’s expression as she looked at it, but her face gave nothing away.

I stepped beside her and pulled her into me.

“Please, Mara,” I said quietly. “We woke up happy this morning. She tried to start trouble yesterday, but we turned it into something beautiful. Now here we are again, and I’m begging you-don’t let her win.”