Chapter 9o
I didn’t spare Jason another look. Instead, I slipped my fingers into Colton’s clenched fist and gave it a light squeeze.
His jaw, tight with restraint, eased instantly.
Two months later, I heard about Jason again. He was paralyzed. Wheelchair–bound for the rest of his life.§
He had tried to walk the same path I once had–climbing those same nine thousand steps to get a talisman for me.
But on the way down, his legs gave out. He rolled all the way to the bottom. By the time they found him, it was already too late for proper treatment.
I heard that even in the ambulance, with his palms torn and bloody, he never let go of the talisman.
He just kept mumbling, “Whitney is waiting for me… We promised to stay together forever…”
I didn’t think much of it. Didn’t have time to care. I was taking a family photo. As Colton pulled me close for the shot, his voice held a hint of jealousy. “Feeling heartbroken?“}
it.”
I let out a short laugh. “I feel worse for someone who was in love with me for seven years but never had the guts to say
His head turned slightly, avoiding my gaze, but his grip on me tightened. Before I could tease him, our daughter wedged herself between us, pouting. “Mom! Dad! I want kisses and hugs too!“”
Colton chuckled, scooping her up easily. One in each arm. The final photo came out perfect. So perfect that the photo studio asked if they could keep a copy for display.
For the first time ever, Colton, who had never liked being in the spotlight, agreed.
On the way home, as the car sped past a street corner, I happened to glance out the window. And that was when I saw Yolanda.[
Beaten, her limbs twisted, rolling on the ground as a group of people kicked her. She was screaming, her voice hoarse and broken. “I am Mrs. Jagger! You trash! You aren’t even worthy of carrying my shoes!“}
I quickly covered my daughter’s ears. Beside me, Colton reached over and covered mine. I glanced up, catching the faint redness at the tips of his ears.
And I couldn’t help but think of the old diary I had accidentally found.”
[I fell in love with a girl who is Jason’s fiancée.]}
[Jason cheated. Lied. Faked his death. All for a few extra years of fun.]}
[I knew my chance had come.]}
(The End)
