Chapter 15
I turned, my voice ice cold: “Look Hudson, you’re officially the last face I ever wanted to see in this
lifetime.”
The pain hit his eyes hard. He gave this awkward nod: “Yeah… I found Noah’s note. I know I messed up beyond fixing.”
“I just… I wanted to see you. Just knowing you’re alive, that’s enough for me. How are you, Reese?”
“Without you around to destroy my life? Yeah, I’m great. I’d be even better if you never showed your face again.”
He went ghost–white. Couldn’t get a word out.
Finally, a bitter laugh:
“Knew that was coming. Still had this stupid hope, you know? Like maybe… but seeing your eyes now? That’s it. I know I’ve lost you forever.”
“Won’t bug you anymore, promise. You gave up everything for me – your career, your dreams, fifteen years of your life.”
“I failed you both you and our Noah. I’ll make it right. Go be free, Reese. I’ll always wish you happiness.”
The only trace of his presence was a damp spot where he had stood moments before, tears splashing onto the ground beneath his feet.
Week later, my account blew up with money.
Then the news hit: Hudson had turned himself in. His hitman went down with him.
Days later, news came that Hudson had killed himself in prison.
They found him clutching the “Angel” pendant.
No one knew how he got it inside. Didn’t matter anymore.
When I heard, I touched Noah’s photo softly.
My angel could finally rest in peace.
After Noah’s death and Hudson’s suicide, I’d fully immersed myself in my new life at Sophie’s company, Luminous Designs.
A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire
2.7%
Chaty 5
My natural talent for jewelry design combined with my authentication skills had made me one of their
me assets.
I’d even become a partner last year, after three collections that had broken company sales records.
My uncle James had been my rock through it all. After 1“died” in that plane crash, he was the only family
member I reached out to
He let everything behind to join me in Switzerland, sacrificing his own business to support my new
beginning,
Now he ran the financial side of my design studio, a subsidiary of Sophie’s larger company. His unwavering belief in me was the only reason I hadn’t completely lost faith in humanity.
Another reason for my renewed faith had been Clark Joseph.
At least, until tonight.
Clark and I had been together for nearly two years.
We met at an international jewelry exhibition where his company, Trifleming Jewelry, was scouting new
talent.
He’d been captivated by my designs, and even more by me, he claimed. His charming smile and gentle manner had slowly broken down the walls I’d built after Hudson’s betrayal.
Also, he had been patient, understanding why I kept parts of myself closed off. Never pushed for details about my past when I said it was too painful to discuss.
He’d even understood my insistence that we take things slowly physically, respecting boundaries I’d established after my trauma.
At least, that’s what I’d believed until this night I met his cheating.
