Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 170

Scarlett

hapter 170

pg dn

enter

“You may not understand it now, but the time comes when you rule the South, you will. I did what I could to make them Entley get a pintuhed they would return home and leave you alone. The deaths… they demanded retribution, a show of justine couldn’t kill my mate. So I tried to convince them you’d been punished, that it was over, while Maswell would take you to safety in Rome in the They wanted you hefended, but I spoke

I sighed, the weight of the failed plan sinking heavily. “It wasn’t a smart plan, and I am sorry for everything. Clay didn’t want a part of it, and secher dal Maxwell. I hope… I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive them.” I paused, searching her face for any sign of softness, of understanding But the clie still, her expression a mask of control, unreadable.

Looking at her, I felt the distance between us more acutely than ever, and the truth settled painfully in my chest. ” “hine I’ve already lost you? I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. “You reek of Keith so strongly that I don’t even need to be told what happened. And I can’t be angry with that. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s me. I pus

pushed you right into his arms.”

I took another deep breath, the finality of it sinking in. “And I’ll regret that until the end of my as, Scarlett.”

“The emptiness I feel… it’s deeper now, more painful with you so close,” I said, feeling the words claw their way out of me. “I’m not saying this to make you feel sorry for me, Scarlett. Pity isn’t what I want. I don’t want anything from you except love, and I know I can’t demand that.”

I sighed, a heaviness settling over me. “I’ve decided I don’t want you fighting Garland on our behalf. Whatever happens, so he it. There’s no point in surviving if it means staying incomplete. I don’t want to force you to stay, to tie you to us when you don’t want to be here. That’s why I’ve made a decision.

I’m letting you go.”

Her expression remained unreadable, her silence like a wall between us, but I pushed on, knowing this was the only gift I had left to give.

“The South is your home. If you want to go there, you’re free to leave. If Keith makes you happy and you want to be with him, then I release you to him. Just knowing you’re alive and safe… that will be enough for me.” My voice wavered, the words barely holding themselves together. “I promise I won’t trouble you or come looking for you again.”

My gaze drifted to the mark on her neck, the one that had once been a symbol of our bond. “If I could remove my mark to give you the freedom you deserve. I would. And when Elsa returns, I’ll ask her to block the bond on your end. This way, you’ll be free of me, of us. I hope this will bring you peace, Scarlett.”

Her silence continued, and part of me ached to reach out, to hold her just once more. But I knew that right was gone, that I no longer had permission to bridge the distance I’d created. I had caused her pain, and no words, no promises, could erase that.

Setting her free was the only way to give her even a fraction of the happiness I’d taken from her. If she chose to stay, it wouldn’t be because of obligation or the pull of our bond; it would be because she truly wanted us. And if she chose to leave, I would have to live with it.

r

As the silence grew between us, I waited, holding onto the last fragments of my heart, hoping this decision would at least bring her some kind of healing. Even if it left me empty, knowing she could finally breathe free might be the one small balm for this wound.