Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 113

"You think a simple apology makes it all go away?" she demanded. "You think 'I was drunk' absolves you of all responsibility?"

"I'm not trying to shirk responsibility. Tell me what I need to do for you to forgive me. Name it, and I'll do it."

"Really?"

"Really."

She thought for a moment before saying, "Whenever I want to see Tilly from now on, you cannot stop me."

"Right now, it's Tilly who wants to see you, and you're too 'busy'." He shot her a look, adding, "Whether you're actually busy or faking it remains to be seen."

She couldn't be bothered to argue with his sarcasm.

Instead, she pressed on. "Also..."

"You have more demands?" he cut in.

"Am I not allowed to?"

"I already promised my behavior won't cross the line again. Isn't that enough?"

"I wasn't finished," she replied coolly.

"Go on."

"When I want to see Tilly, not only can you not stop me, but you have to give us private time. In other words, when I'm visiting her, I don't want to see you."

He fell silent for a few seconds.

Then, he finally spoke. "You want to see my daughter, but you want to banish me from the room?"

"I only care about Tilly."

He let out a derisive scoff.

Then he said, "You think I have feelings for you?"

What happened last night had thoroughly confused her.

She never expected a man like Edmond to say those kinds of things.

He had always been so arrogant, so entirely above it all.

Yet he had actually extended an invitation for her to 'play' with him.

Deep down, she couldn't help but wonder if he genuinely did still care for her a little.

But in the end, she had squashed that doubt.

That wasn't how you treated someone you cared about.

Even a fraction of love required basic respect.

She would accommodate him. Once he was busy with work again, she would come spend time with the little girl.

"What do you understand?" he countered. "Do you still remember that you owe me a favor?"

She immediately went on guard. "You remembered? What do you want me to do?"

"The final condition, Sheila. Promise me that no matter what happens in the future, you will never hurt Tilly."

She froze.

When he had originally demanded three conditions, she had been anxious.

If he asked for anything outrageous, she had fully intended to refuse.

She hadn't expected his three demands to actually be... somewhat reasonable.

And this final one showed her just how deeply he loved that child.

So... did he actually know if Tilly was his biological daughter or not?

"Can you do that?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"I hope you keep your word. She's waiting for you. Are you coming over with me?"