1.58 CAROLINE

Maybe I should have taken the out.

Maybe I should have left them. Ran far, far away.

But I couldn’t.

Sitting there, watching them tell me their fear of something happening to me, hurt me. Nicholas's tears broke my heart.

Antonio tried to hide his emotions, but I could see it, sense it.

He was hiding his pain deep within, hiding the sadness that comes with losing someone you cared for. The damage it brings to you.

I know that this is the exact opposite of what I need. I don't need the drama. I don’t need any more danger. I have plenty of both.

But I can't leave them.

Looking at them, at the months we've spent together, I know that this isn't just a marriage created by force. This Isn't just about them making me happy.

They made me love them.

I love them, as sure as anything I've ever known.

Antonio trails his hand down my face, leaning in closer to me. Nearing me, leaning in to kiss me.

But I pull away from them before his lips can connect with mine. They look up