Page 21 of Forbidden Love
The living room spins as I lose grip on reality. “How can you possibly justify this?” I demand, the heat rising in my torso. “What are you hiding, Devin?”
His jaw tightens while an internal battle rages in his demeanor. “Hurting you was never my intention. I was protecting you.”
I scoff. “The only thing I need protection from is you and your lies. What was so important that you needed to make a new identity?”
He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “Certain aspects of my life pose a risk to you. I didn’t want to drag you into it, but I couldn’t stay the hell away from you.”
The corners of my lips drag down. “It’s not up to you. That choice is not yours to make. What are you hiding? Tell me.”
He opens his mouth to respond, but the words die on his lips and he says nothing.
After drawing in a shallow breath, I square my shoulders. “I can’t even look at you right now. I think you should leave.”
“Maya—”
“Get out!” I yell, loud and clear.
“Okay.” His voice is thick with emotion. He closes his eyelids, and when he opens them again, they’re filled with regret. He looks hurt. “If this is your desire, I’ll get out of your life.”
Then he walks away, leaving me standing there, with my heart shattered into a million pieces.
Chapter 8
Devin
Thedoorclosesbehindme and it feels final. My chest tightens, the weight of my lies and secrets pressing down on me like an iron blanket. The drive home is a blur, with thoughts of her consuming my mind.
I’ve always prided myself on being in control, on keeping my life compartmentalized. But now, everything’s falling apart. I can’t keep living like this, hiding behind half-truths and false identities. And I won’t continue to lie to the woman I want and need.
When I get home, I pour myself some whiskey and sit down, staring into the glass. The truth. I must tell her, but where do I even begin?
The story starts with my father—the man who became a dark shadow over my life and the lives of my siblings. A man who, despite his public image as a powerful, successful mogul, was a tyrant behind closed doors.
My father’s death should have been a relief, but it wasn’t. It was the start of a different nightmare.
The phone buzzes, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I glance at the screen and see Zack’s name flashing. For a moment, I consider letting it go to voicemail, but I decide to answer.
I twist my neck from side to side to relieve tension before greeting him. “Hey.”
“You okay?” he asks. “You sound… off.”
I let out a shaky breath, leaning back against the headrest. “I messed up.”
“What happened?” Zack’s voice is all concern now, a far cry from his usual carefree demeanor.
“I’ve been lying to Maya,” I begin, though he already knows what’s been going on. “About everything—who I am, and… Dad.”
Zack pauses before he sighs. “You knew this would catch up with you eventually, Dev. You can’t keep running from it.”
“I’m aware of that,” I respond. “But I was protecting her. Protecting us. Hell, protecting myself.”
“Well, how’s that working for you?” Zack’s voice has an edge to it.
I draw in a breath. “I must tell her the truth—about Dad and why I’ve been hiding.”
He’s quiet. “Have you considered the consequences?
While rubbing my shoulders, I ponder all the awful shit that could happen. Life without Maya is the worst scenario. I nod, though he can’t see. “Yeah.”