It Doesn’t Matter Anymore novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

I pushed the front door open to the sound of Serena’s hysterical sobs. She was curled on the sofa, shaking in Aaron’s arms

“I can’t marry him, Aaron! He’s a monster! The other women died! Why can’t it be Louisa?”

Aaron stroked her hair. “Shhh. I’m here. It won’t be you.”

My parents chimed in. “We’d never let him touch you, darling.”

No one looked at me. I walked silently to my room and shut the door.

Memories flooded me. Aaron chartering a jet to watch a sunrise. Skiing in the Alps. Chasing the aurora. He documented every moment like a treasure.

I’d believed him. Now I knew: I was just a novelty. A distraction.

I wiped my eyes. From my pocket, I pulled a small voice recorder’s memory card. I slid it, along with a copy of the prison’s CCTV footage, into an envelope for a trusted friend.

I’d only meant to record Serena’s performances. I hadn’t planned on catching her ordering the beating.

The files finished sending as footsteps approached my door. My heart clenched.

The door opened. Aaron stood there. He crossed the room and pulled me into his arms. He still smelled of cedar. It made me sick.

He sighed. “Louisa… I’m sorry.”

I went rigid.

He mistook my silence for acceptance. “Go easier on Serena. She’s not like you. You have everything. I’ll marry you. But Serena… she has nothing. Be the bigger person.”

“I have everything,” I repeated, the words like ash.

So this was his apology. Not for the jail, the beating, the doubt. An apology for Serena, and a demand I keep tolerating her He thought a hug could erase it all. That he could slap me ninety–nine times and win me back with the hundredth touch I looked up at his face. The ache was so sharp I thought it might kill me.

He was wrong.

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