Chapter 6: Secrets, Forgiveness, and a New Beginning

Next month is the anniversary of Nathan’s parents’ death. He asks for leave to visit their graves. My stomach knots, nerves jangling.

But this is a knot that needs untying.

I muster my courage and ask to go with him. He actually says yes.

We don’t talk on the way. The air’s heavy, thick with things unsaid.

On the way back, he suggests grabbing drinks for the first time. I remember Nathan can’t hold his liquor, but I want to lighten the mood, so I agree.

Three beers, a bottle of wine, half a bottle of whiskey—he’s totally wasted.

This guy who’s usually all walls and armor? Now he’s just a mess. Vulnerable. Real.

That’s when I finally believe he actually likes me.

He confesses: he started out wanting revenge. But then he realized I was way dumber than he thought.

Wait, what?

So dumb he figured my IQ must be genetic, and there’s no way I could hurt anyone. So he reinvestigated everything and found out his parents were set up. The Caldwell family got blamed to protect Monroe Group, shouldering all the fallout.

He says people like that earn his respect.

Then he saw me risk myself for Sierra, and that sealed the deal.

Suddenly, it all makes sense.

“So, why do you like me?”

“You’re adorably dumb.”

I… Unfair.

His eyes darken. He kisses me again. This time, it’s soft, lingering, impossibly gentle.

Nathan holds my hand. “I almost made a huge mistake.”

My heart aches. Tears prick my eyes.

That was close. My life is safe.

Being in love is so much better than being the villain.

He laughs, low and warm, and for once, everything feels light.

Love, when it hits, is a freaking earthquake.

Our couple Instagram handles: mine’s “Lusty,” his is “Greedy.” Perfect match, no notes.

We ride bikes by the lake, sing off-key, walk hand-in-hand, go to Taylor Swift concerts, hug under New Year’s fireworks, eat popcorn at the movies, laugh and cry together…

After graduation, we get married.

Nathan still lives with my parents, but now he’s running the show at Caldwell Holdings.

The whole foot-washing bit? Still here, but now it’s a fight over the massage foot bath. Honestly, it’s cute.

People gossip, sure. It just makes Nathan work harder, pulling off win after win.

Family pressure? Yeah, it’s real. But Nathan wins my parents over—now he’s their favorite, and I’m the one getting teased.

But honestly? I don’t care. Life’s short—happiness is non-negotiable.

Sometimes I still dream about the old plot, but I’m not scared anymore. Misunderstandings can be cleared up. Darkness can be lit up. Even the deepest pain can be warmed by the sun.

There are no absolutes. Sometimes, you just need to give yourself—and others—a second chance.

See? I’m growing up, too.