Chapter 35

Devano chuckled. "You shouldn't blame me, Nico. You made the bad decision, and I was just doing my job."  

"Get out of here, Devano," Nico said in a cold voice.  

Devano stood up, tapping Nico roughly on the shoulder before leaving. "Don't lament your fate for too long, Nico. Life goes on."  

After Devano's departure, Nico sat there for a while longer, trying to calm his mind. His mother's words rang again in his mind.  

"Calvin needs his father. Don't let this destroy you."  

Nico took a deep breath. He knew his mother was right. If he gave up now, he would not only lose Calvin, but also lose himself.  

He got up from the bench, determined not to let himself get down anymore. If Celine could build her strength from the wound, then so could he. Nico didn't know how, but he was determined to get back on his feet-for Calvin's sake, and maybe, for Celine's sake too.

The sun was scorchi