Chapter 1

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• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 10

  In the days that followed, life got busy. I stopped hearing much about Roderick and Francesca. According to the media, Francesca was sentenced to life in prison. It was the ending she deserved. Later, Roderick came to see me again. "Sav, I know I went too far back then. The truth is, I just couldn't accept it at the time."As he spoke, he pulled out the contract he had signed with Francesca. He then added, "The agreement was for six years. The reason I asked you to come back was that my arrangement with Francesca was about to end."I've had time to think, and I want you back. I finally understand how I feel about you. I—""Stop. That's enough," I cut him off. "Roderick, I should be thanking you for what you did. If it hadn't happened, I never would've seen your true colors. "You didn't love Francesca, and you didn't love me either. The only person you've ever cared about is yourself. "You wasted six years of a woman's life just to keep your company afloat. So tell me, why do

• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 9

  The fire had stirred up quite a buzz. Soon, people started digging into Roderick and Francesca. That was when the truth finally came to light. Although they were married, it was all just a facade. They had signed a contract before tying the knot. Roderick had said more than once that their marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement—a strategic partnership. Yet, I knew he wasn't being honest. It was evident in the way he looked at Francesca. If her mistakes hadn't been so disastrous to the point where they couldn't be covered up, he probably would've stood by her.…For Danny's sake, I broke the lease on our apartment. We moved somewhere farther out, but it was closer to the preschool where he would be attending.On his first day of school, he was over the moon. I had promised that I'd be the first one there to pick him up, and I kept my word. I waited at the gates long before classes ended.When the final bell rang, he came flying into my arms, exclaiming, "Mom

• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 8

  Since the fire had broken out so suddenly, the police launched an investigation into the cause. In the meantime, Danny and I were relocated to a nearby hotel. It had been a long, chaotic night. Fear and exhaustion finally caught up with Danny. At some point, he curled up in my arms and drifted into a deep sleep. …The results of the investigation came quickly. It was arson. Someone had been paid to do it, and the one pulling strings was Francesca. She only did it because she wanted me dead. That was how deeply she hated me.The moment I told her that I was staying, she decided I didn't deserve to stay alive.… Not long after, Francesca was taken in for questioning. I couldn't deny that I resented her. But the fact that Danny and I had made it out alive felt like the best ending I could've asked for. I had assumed that Roderick would rush to Francesca's defence and bail her out. To my surprise, he made a public statement the very next morning. He was filing for divorce.

• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 7

  In my second year abroad, Roderick had started to ease up. He no longer kept such a close eye on me. That was when I met a teacher from back home. Her name was Blair Wade, and she was an exceptional therapist. During one of my depressive episodes, I booked a session with her. I told her about the feelings I had developed for Roderick. Once I said it aloud, I couldn't even bring myself to look her in the eye. I was sure she'd be disgusted. Everyone else was, after all. But she wasn't. Instead, Blair offered quiet reassurance and encouraged me to work through the emotions that had been weighing me down. More than that, she walked me through the process. She even showed me pictures of her son, Danny. He was just a baby at the time, and she was already divorced. However, one thing was certain—she loved him wholeheartedly. During that period, Blair helped me more than I could put into words. Slowly, I began to climb out of that dark place, and things started to look up. Unti

• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 6

  As Roderick reached for the medication in my hand, I quickly slipped it into my bag before he could take it. "It's just a cold. Nothing serious," I said. Francesca chimed in, "The weather's been terrible lately. Many people are getting sick."But Roderick ignored her, his eyes fixed on my bag. I wanted to leave immediately. However, the moment I turned to go, he stopped me. "Savannah, what are you hiding from me? If you're sick, tell me. I can arrange for the best doctors."As soon as his words settled, Francesca's expression hardened. I even caught her grip tightening on his arm. "That's not necessary, Mr. Campbell. I—"Before I could finish my sentence, Roderick interrupted, "Have we really reached the point where you won't even talk to me?"The question struck me as odd. And just like that, anger surged through me. "You made it perfectly clear a few days ago that you wanted nothing to do with me, Mr. Campbell. So no, there's nothing left to discuss. Goodbye," I snapp

• I Don't Need a Love That's Late   Chapter 5

  Without waiting for Roderick or Francesca to respond, I walked away with Danny in my arms. Once again, Roderick offered to have Curtis drive me. Yet, I refused without hesitation. "Mr. Campbell, I'll stay out of your life and won't be any trouble."I was simply echoing the warning he had given me earlier. …Back at my rented apartment, Danny seemed a little downcast as he asked, "Mommy, do you think that man and woman from earlier don't like me?" He was smart and sensitive, so he picked up on everything.I ruffled his hair and said, "Of course not. They don't dislike you."The only one Roderick and Francesca hated was me.Danny leaned into me, his small body nestled close as he nuzzled his cheek against my face. "Mommy, I love you the most."A warmth stirred in my chest at his words. At least I still had his love."I love you, too," I replied, pressing a kiss to his cheek.…After Danny fell asleep, I received a message from Francesca. She wrote, "Savannah, do you have t