From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 23

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Yeah, I did it! I wasn’t gonna just stand there and watch Natalie marry some bastard who clawed his way out of the gutter! So I switched the damn cars!”

“But Gianna–I never meant to lose you! Just come home right now and we’ll forget this ever happened!”

Before the words even finished leaving his mouth, Old Man Hawk’s boot slammed into his side.

You ungrateful piece of shit! This marriage was arranged with the Rivers family years ago! How dare you!”

le turned to me, voice softening. “But the word hasn’t gotten out yet. Gianna, come back with me. Whatever we owe you, I’ll make it right a hundred times

iver.

That Chase girl–111 have her gone by tonight. You have my word.”

he old man meant it. He really did want me back. He’d spent years raising me to be his daughter–in–law, after all.

stayed quiet. Next to me, Hades‘ hand tightened around mine so hard it almost hurt–like he was scared I’d actually say yes.

lot a chance.

Sir, you should go home. Hades is your son too. I’m happy where I am.”

Sweetheart, you’re not thinking straight! He’s illegitimate! He doesn’t deserve someone like you!”

I’m just an orphan. I only made it this far because you took me in. Sebastian loves Natalie–really loves her. So I’m letting him have what he wants. This works ut for everyone.”

ld Man Hawk let out a long, frustrated breath and shot another glare at Sebastian, adding one more kick for good measure. “Look what you’ve done, you idiot!

Now get that girl out of here before this blows up any bigger!”

he butler coughed quietly. “Sir… I’m afraid it’s already too late. The news is everywhere.”

What?!” Sebastian’s head whipped up, eyes wide with shock.

is whole plan had been to drag me back first, then spread the story himself to destroy Hades.

ut now I was still here. Everything had spiraled completely out of his control. He might never get me back.

hat’s when it finally hit him. Real panic flooded his face.

fe stared at my hand locked in Hades‘, shaking his head as tears rolled down his cheeks, “No… no, Gianna, you can’t do this! You cant stay?”

If you don’t leave now, you’ll never get another chance…!”

didn’t answer. Just pressed my fingers to my temple and turned to Hades. “Babe, I’ve got a killer headache. Can we go back upstairs?”

Hades nodded immediately and waved over a maid to help me out.

‘Gianna! Gianna!” Sebastian Junged forward, but the guards slammed him back. He couldn’t get close.

Old Man Hawk pinched the bridge of his nose, looking wrecked. He jerked his chin at Hades. “Get him out of here.”

Sebastian thrashed and screamed the whole way out. Didn’t matter.

That night, while I cleaned Hades‘ cuts, he kept frowning like something was eating at him.

I reached for more gauze. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto his lap instead.

The de contert drew me off.

1 started to stand, but his voice stopped me cold. “seven years ago, south district–I’m the one who found you first. Not Sebastian.”

He pushed up his sleeve There on his forearm–dear as day–was an old scar shaped exactly like bite marks.

My hand shook as I touched it, heart hammering. That’s that’s not possible.”

I was fighting my way up through underground rings back then. Old Man Hawk finally claimed me, put me on his crew. That night, I got to your house first.”

I carried you out of that basement. You asked my name. I didn’t answer.”

Then you… you thought Sebastian did it.”

stared at him, really looked this time. My fingers traced a thin scar just under his brow.

d seen it before Sebastian didn’t have one. I thought I’d just gotten the memory wrong.

That’s why Sebastian always dodged whenever I brought up that night. I thought he was just trying not to upset me. But he didn’t even if

www.talking

lo why didn’t you say anything? Ever?”

You’d already made up your mind it was him. You loved him. What was the point? Besides… it was just one messy night.”

shook my head and held his face in both hands. “Not just a night. If you hadn’t pulled me out, I would’ve died down there.”

ades slid his hand behind my neck and kissed me hard.

kissed him back for a second, then pushed him away with narrowed eyes.

Wait. Then why the hell were you gonna marry Natalie? Did she actually get naked for you?”

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