It couldn't possibly be what Callista thought, could it? But it sure was.Callista could hardly believe that someone as composed and gentle as Jude could come up with so many plans—plans designed to make her cheat on Luther.She flipped through the pages, half-laughing and half-crying, until her eyes froze on a particular line."Better not. It would upset her."Her heart skipped a beat."To be honest, when I first saw all this, I was even more shocked than you," Harriet said while shrugging."You think you know someone, but family always surprises you. Honestly, we wondered if he might be a little... unhinged."Callista laughed despite herself."But one thing is clear—he's been stuck on you for 12 years. We've tried to talk sense into him, but he's stubborn."I'm sorry about that call that morning. I really didn't know you were with him."I apologize for helping to mold him into the person that he is. If you can, please be patient with him. At the very least... don't despise
A single, light remark from Callista made Luther's eyes turn bloodshot."We've been together for so many years, and you can't forgive me just once?""Fine, I forgive you," she replied.Luther froze, not expecting her to say that. A glimmer of hope lit up his face instantly."As long as you can accept me finding other men. While I'm with you, I'll text him, like his posts, and leave comments on all his pictures."I'll sneak out in the middle of the night to spend time with him."I might even have his child and ask you to help raise it."With every word she spoke, Luther's face grew paler. Just hearing her say it made him feel like his world was collapsing."Can you accept that?"Luther instinctively shook his head. "Callista, I can't... I just can't...""Exactly," Callista said coldly. "So why should I forgive you?"If you want my love, you have to give me the same loyalty in return. Otherwise, you don't deserve it."Her icy gaze pierced through him as his choked sobs broke
Callista pursed her lips briefly.The elevator doors opened, and Jude stepped out. He was walking a few paces ahead before turning to look at her. "What's wrong?"Callista put her phone away and followed him.When they reached their rooms, which were right across from each other, Callista opened her door but didn't step inside."Jude, do you want to come in for a bit?"Callista then turned around before adding, "What I meant was... should we try being together?"Jude froze as he was clearly caught off guard. Callista, too, regained her composure and was about to retract her words when Jude beat her to it."Yes." He closed the distance between them with quick strides while gently shutting the door behind him.Trapping her between his body and the wall, his usually composed demeanor gave way to an intensity that made his gaze burn."Should we keep going, Cal?" His voice, which was low and raspy, sent a blush up her ears.She felt a rush of panic but didn't hesitate. "Yes."Jud
"I don't want to, because…"Luther Spencer, you disgust me," Callista spat.Luther jolted awake in panic, and he rushed into the bathroom. He scrubbed his body over and over again. He nearly peeled his skin off.His eyes were bloodshot, and he mumbled unconsciously, "Honey, I'm clean now. I'm not dirty anymore. I've cleaned everything off. Please don't think I'm disgusting."I even threw up what I ate. Please, don't hate me. I'll make sure no one else ever comes here again."It took him half an hour to come out. Seeing his state, Jane was about to step into the room, but Luther blocked her."Don't come in. Callista doesn't like you. I need to guard her things here. I can't let her be upset again."Jane's heart sank with despair. Unable to enter, she sat down outside the door."If I can't stop you, I'll stay here with you. Watching you like this is worse than dying. Luther, what will it take for you to move on?"Luther remained silent for a long moment. "Mom, I want to see her.
"You seem to have forgotten—I gave you so many chances," Callista said coldly."You were the one who failed, every single time."Luther's voice trembled as he said, "Honey, I truly know I was wrong.""And so?" Callista let out a hollow laugh."Can you bring back the two children I lost? Can you erase what you did with Wren?"From the moment I left, I never planned to turn back."Luther Spencer, you disgust me."Callista then turned to Jane. "Your five minutes are up. Now, please excuse me.""No… don't, Cally. We've been together for so many years. You can't just—" Luther's desperate, tear-choked pleas echoed behind her as she walked out the door.Jane sighed heavily. "Luther, she's gone."Those words landed like a death sentence.Luther's eyes dimmed, and they became hollow and lifeless. But in the next instant, he bolted for the door. The IV needle was ripped out. It left a trail of blood, but he seemed immune to the pain.Yet his body was long past its limits, and it gave
The line on the other end was silent. Luther grew increasingly cautious and desperate."I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have lied to you. Wren and I are done, and her child… the child is gone too."Please, forgive me this once. I can't live without you. I'll pay any price if you'll just come back to me."Still, there was no response."Honey, please don't—" Luther's voice trembled, but before he could finish, the call ended abruptly.He panicked and redialed, only to find that he'd been blocked. An overwhelming despair washed over him, leaving him gasping for air.Jane called at that moment."Mom, can you… can you help me find her? I miss her so much, but she won't even take my calls anymore," he pleaded.Jane's throat tightened. Her proud son was now reduced to begging. He must have been utterly desperate."Why don't you let it go, Luther? Please, just let it go. Come home, try to live a good life, and leave the past behind.""But I can't let go. I really can't."There was a