I Told You To Run But You Didn't (Georgia) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

89%

Finished

Georgia’s POV

He looked so lost standing there, the rain plastering his usually perfect hair to his forchead. He took a hesitant step towards me.

“I hurt you,” he began. “So much. And I… I finally understand why you hate me now.” He wouldn’t meet my eyes, staring instead at his own hands. “I never… I never made you feel like my wife. Not really. I took you for granted. I hid you away. I was selfish.”

He finally looked up, his eyes swimming with a desperae, unfamiliar emotion. “I’m sorry, Gia. For everything. I was a fool.” He took another shaky breath. I lost you… and I know, I know it’s forever… but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t tell you.” His voice cacked. “I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. All I can think about is that I still love you. What I had with Kiara…” He shook his head dismissively. “It was nothing. Just… lust. An escape. It wasn’t real. You were real, Gia. You’re the only one I ever truly loved.”

I just stared at him, a wave of weariness washing over me. It was too little, too late. The words he was saying now were the words I had desperately needed to hear months, even years, ago. Now, they just felt… empty.

“Lucas…” I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Are you trying to say you want… back in? You want another chance?”

His face lit up with a fragile hope. “Yes! That’s exactly-

“Because it’s too late,” I cut him off, my voice gentle but firm. I couldn’t bring myself to be cruel, not when he looked so broken. But I couldn’t give him false hope either. I held up my left hand, letting the large diamond catch the dim light from the hallway. “I’m engaged now, Lucas. To Estevan.”

His hopeful expression crumbled, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief, then dawning pain.

“It’s too late to fix anything between us,” I continued soly. “That time is gone. So… for the sake of whatever we once had… please, respect my decision. Respect my engagement.” I managed a small, sad smile. “The three years we were married… I won’t pretend they didn’t happen. I cherished the good parts. And yes, for a long time, I did love you.” I took a final, steadying breat. “But that life is over now.”

Lucas pursed his lips, his jaw clenching so hard a muscl jumped in his cheek. He stared at the ring, then at my face, disbelief warring with a dawning, ugly anger. He clearly hadn’t expected those words from me. He probably thought I’d crumble át his apology, welcome im back with open arms.

But I knew Lucas. He never did anything without a motive: Coming all the way out here, braving a storm. delivering that heartfelt apology… it wasn’t about love. I was about something he wanted. Something he needed. I had to be careful.

“I don’t believe you,” he finally said, his voice low and tight. He took a step closer, searching my face. “Engaged? To him? This is some kind of act, isn’t it?” Hi eyes narrowed. “Estevan Salvatore isn’t a man you just fall in love with, Georgia. He’s dangerous. He consumes people.” His gaze sharpened with suspicion, “Tell me the truth. Did he threaten you? Is he forcing you to do this? Because if he is,” he leaned in, “we can leave right now. I can get you out of here. We can run away, disappear before he even knows you’re gone.”

He looked so earnest, so genuinely concerned. For asp second, the old Lucas, the one I thought I knew, flashed in his eyes. But rescue me? I wasn’t some damsel in distress waiting for a knight. I could handle myself. Still… there was something in his eyes, a frantic rgency that felt real. He knew something.

“I’m fine, Lucas,” I said softly, trying to gauge his reaction. “What are you talking about? Threaten me? Why would he do that?”

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10:37 Tue, Mar 10 M M

Chapter 69

¥89%

Finished

His grip suddenly tightened on my arm, his fingers digging into my skin. His eyes darted nervously towards the hallway, then back to me, full of a terrifying panic.

“Listen to me,” he whispered fiercely. “You have to beliee me. You are in danger. We are in danger.” His voice dropped even lower, barely audible over the rain. They’re coming. Tonight. Estevan’s enemies. They know he’s here. They’re going to hit this place, hard. All of you could die.” He pulled me closer, his eyes wild. “The only way you survive this is if you come with me. Now. Leave him. Leave them. And let him deal with his own war.”

My hand cracked across his face, the sound sharp in the tense quiet of the hallway. I stumbled back, my eyes blazing with disbelief and fury.

“Leave them?” I whispered, my voice shaking with rage. You want me to just abandon Louiella? An innocent girl like Erina? Even him? Just leave them here to die while we run?”

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