CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

Epilogue

My name is Catherine Young, and in the last few months, I've made a discovery. Many people might not agree with me, but I've realized that love shouldn't be something you have to calculate. It shouldn't be exhausting.

It should feel natural. Beautiful. You should want that person by your side and find yourself putting them first without having to force it.

As crazy as it might sound, my best friend's younger brother was the one who made me feel this way.

When I almost lost him, I lost my mind. I couldn't imagine living without him, without that genuine smile that always seemed to reach somewhere deep inside me.

The soft evening breeze moved through the curtains, making them sway gently. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my heart pounding as if I'd just finished running a marathon.

The bed stood beside the window, and despite how nervous I was, I saw him lying there.

Dominic.

My heart clenched at the sight of him. He looked smaller than usual, and I couldn't explain why that hurt me so much. I moved closer, my hands shaking.

I hadn't seen him during the event. I'd kept hoping he would show up for dinner, but when he didn't, I couldn't take it anymore.

I had to see him.

Especially after our fight.

I sat on the edge of the bed and reached for his hand, my eyes already filling with tears.

“Dominic,” I whispered.

I'd never been so sure of anything in my life. With Dominic, everything seemed to fall into place, like finding something I'd never realized was missing.

His fingers tightened around mine, and his eyes slowly opened.

My heart pounded harder.

It took him a moment to focus on my face. Confusion passed through his eyes before he finally recognized me.

“Catherine.” He tightened his grip on my hand. “Is this a dream?”

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I watched the disbelief on his face.

“It's not a dream. I'm actually here.”

“Catherine.” He pushed himself up, still holding my hand. “This is a dream, but I'll still apologize. I'm sorry.”

I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry. I wanted to tell him so many things, but I didn't even know where to begin.

“I'm sorry for everything you went through because of me, Catherine,” he repeated.

I shook my head, trying to speak, but a stupid hiccup escaped me instead.

“I can't bring myself to forgive myself. You were right…”

“No. No.” I shook my head. “I was wrong.”

He shook his head. “Don't make me hate myself more, Catherine.”

He paused and glanced around the room before looking back at me.

“Why does this dream feel so real? Why do I feel like I have so much control over my actions?”

“Because it isn't a dream. I'm actually here.”

“You're actually here?” His brows drew together. “How are you actually here?”

I laughed. “I have some explaining to do.”

I began telling him everything, from Alice helping me sneak out of the house to the train ride and how I almost got lost trying to find his grandma's house.

“This isn't funny, Catherine.” He took my hands. “That was really risky.”

I nodded. “I had to see you.”

The way his eyes lit up almost melted me, but I held myself together.

He leaned closer, and I fell into his embrace.

“God, seeing you is such a blessing.” He held me tighter. “I haven't been able to concentrate on anything.”

I wrapped my arms around him, wishing I could take away all the pain we'd caused each other.

“I should have stood by my choice, Dominic,” I whispered. “And I promise I'll never hurt you again.”

His laugh vibrated against my neck. “You've never hurt me, Catherine. You're an answered prayer.”

We kept our arms wrapped around each other, neither of us saying a word. My heart was beating so fast it was embarrassing.

“I love you, Catherine.”

“I love you too, Dominic.”

He pulled back and stared into my eyes. I don't remember who moved first, but within seconds, our lips met, and we were kissing like we'd been waiting forever to do it.

His left hand cupped my cheek while his right settled on my waist. Being close wasn't enough. I wanted him closer, and judging by the way he held me, he felt the same.

Our kisses grew desperate, and neither of us seemed ready to let go.

Then, abruptly, he pulled away and looked anywhere but at me.

I blinked. “What?”

“Do I stink?” he asked.

Unbelievable.

I rolled my eyes. “No.”

I moved closer, but he quickly pulled away.

“I definitely stink. I've been a mess all evening, and I fell asleep without taking a shower.”

I stared at him. “Dominic, seriously?”

We ended up falling back onto the bed, and he started acting like he had some terrible virus I could catch just by being near him. I couldn't help laughing at him.

My phone buzzed, reminding me that the rest of the world still existed. I pulled it out and saw a message from Alice.

Your parents are certainly killing me today. Did you arrive safely?

I quickly typed a reply to let her know I was fine.

Before I could put my phone away, it lit up again. Alice's name flashed across the screen.

I swiped to answer immediately.

“Alice.”

“Catherine Young!” My mom's voice screeched through the speaker.

I winced and pulled the phone away from my ear. “Mom! Do you want to destroy my eardrums?”

“Shut up, young lady! You sneaked out of the house without permission and refused to answer your calls. Do you have any idea how worried I've been?”

My heart clenched with guilt.

“Sorry, Mama.”

Dominic moved closer and took my free hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed the back of my palm.

“Sorry,” he mouthed.

I smiled at him, squeezing his hand.

“Are you safe?” Mom asked, her voice a little calmer this time.

I looked at Dominic, who was watching me with the softest smile.

“I'm in safe hands.”