Chapter 12
874words
I've been lying to myself for years, pretending Kane is the person I hate most.
Liar, Lucy. You've clearly always, always been in love with Kane.
But you've always believed he saw you as nothing but an annoying shadow.
The emotional rollercoaster of the past weeks left me completely drained. I just needed to escape, so I bought a ticket home without telling anyone.
During the journey, my phone buzzed constantly with calls from Kane and Emily. Unable to face either of them, I switched it off and stared blankly out the window.
Walking through the familiar streets of my hometown, ghosts of the past seemed to follow me—that small, hopeful girl always trailing a few steps behind Kane.
It was that day in seventh grade, when Kane left me alone in the forest, that I finally understood how much I annoyed him. I realized what a burden I'd been, always tagging along uninvited.
From that day on, I swore I'd never chase after Kane again, never imagining that fate would cruelly tangle our lives together once more.
My feet carried me automatically to that forest, the scene of my childhood heartbreak. I wandered among the trees, remembering that terrifying night: forcing myself to search the dark woods alone, calling Kane's name with a trembling voice despite my fear.
Now as an adult, the forest seemed smaller, less threatening.
Yes, I've grown up. It's time to face my feelings head-on. Lucy Leahy, you can't keep running forever.
You need to tell Kane the truth—about the baby, about your feelings. Even if he rejects you, at least you can move forward with honesty.
I took several deep breaths, trying to gather my courage, rehearsing what I would say when I returned.
I need to give my younger self closure... loving someone deeply is still a precious experience... even if that love was never returned...
"Lucy!"
Kane's voice shattered the forest's stillness, making me jump.
For a moment, I was that child again, lying injured on the forest floor, heart leaping at the sound of Kane calling my name through the darkness.
I turned slowly, hardly believing my eyes: Kane stood just yards away, bathed in moonlight.
He looked wild, his clothes rumpled, his chest heaving as if he'd been running for miles.
Before I could speak, he crossed the distance between us and pulled me into his arms. "Lucy Leahy," he said, his voice raw with emotion, "listen carefully. In this world, both my body and my heart only respond to you."
I stared up at him in shock, searching his face for any sign of mockery. There was none.
My heart thundered in my chest. I pushed against his chest, overwhelmed by his sudden declaration.
But Kane only held me closer. "I'm sorry, Lucy... I've owed you an apology for years..."
My body trembled, emotions I couldn't name washing over me. Why was he apologizing now?
Kane pulled back slightly, his hands gripping my shoulders, his eyes burning with an intensity I'd never seen before. "I've failed you again, Lucy... That night at the party... I knew it was real... I just convinced myself it couldn't be... because you've hated me for so long, how could you possibly want me? I thought it was just another dream..."
Tears sprang to my eyes instantly. "You knew it was me... why didn't you stop it..." I finally voiced the question that had tormented me.
Kane's expression softened. "Because it was you, Lucy. I've wanted you for years."
My heart stuttered as his words sank in.
Kane took my hand, his grip almost desperate. "So you knew it was me that night, and you wanted it too, right?"
"I..." My voice faltered. "Because it was you, Kane. It's always been you..."
For a breathless moment, we stared at each other, years of misunderstandings falling away.
"I—"
"I—"
We both started speaking at once, our voices overlapping in the quiet forest.
Kane's face broke into a genuine smile. "So that's what your mother was trying to tell me."
My cheeks burned with mortification. What exactly had my mother revealed? Had she exposed my childhood crush?
"What are you talking about? What did she say to you, Kane—"
Before I could finish my question, his mouth captured mine in a searing kiss. His tongue boldly swept inside, stealing my breath.
"Mmph—you—mmph—"
I halfheartedly tried to push him away, but he only deepened the kiss, his arms tightening around me.
When he finally pulled back, his eyes were dark with desire. "Lucy, I'm in love with you."
"You—"
What? I must be dreaming. This couldn't be real.
"I've loved you for years. I thought you hated me, so I kept my distance... But now that I know you feel the same, I'm never letting you go again."
"Huh? I-I-I," I stammered, my brain short-circuiting. "When did I say I loved you?"
"Then why did you kiss me back just now?" He smirked, leaning in again.
"I was in shock!"
He brushed his lips against mine teasingly.
I jerked back. "What are you doing? Again?"
"Giving you another chance to reject me if you want to."
I stared at him in disbelief. When did Kane Lyons become so bold?
