Chapter 26

Gisele could not believe that the man she had spent her whole life hating was actually trying to protect her. His reasons had left her shocked and still a bit confused, to be honest.

She looked at the hospital wall while trying to take in all that he had said. It was like she was no longer part of this world as she was thinking, so she shook, startled when Slate put a hand on her arm.

“Hey,” he started in a gentle and kind voice, “don’t overthink it, okay? Just relax, hmm?”

His words helped, and she found herself sobbing crazily on Slate’s shoulder. Slate held her close and tried his best to comfort her.

“I f-feel l-lik-ke I-I-I’ve been h-ha-ting everyone for no g-good reason. I-I n-n-never lis-ten to a-an-y-y ex-explanations b-b-because I’m too proud,” she hiccupped.

Then she took Slate’s face in her hands and said earnestly

“I’m so so sorry, Slate.”

“Hey, there’s nothing to forgive, hmm? I love you, Gisele. I love you as I’ve never loved a