All Chapters of DEAR STRANGER, MARRY ME AGAIN: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

SLOANE The moment we step into our bedroom, I watch as Ian removes his bloody shirt, followed by the pants and the boxers. He stands completely naked with a broad back, veiny arms, and a tight ass that makes me drool from how bad I want him.Sometimes, I wonder if he’s human. He's so gorgeous my chest hurts.My eyes drop before I can stop them and drink in the rare sight before me.Eight perfect abs. Cut lines. A body carved that I want pressed against me so bad. Without a word, he walks into the shower, leaving me to swallow down the ache building between my thighs.I stare at the door as I hear the water start running with my fists clenched at my sides and a pulse thundering in my ears.With my bottom lip between my teeth, I begin to undo my shirt one button at a time.The shorts then follow, leaving me naked as the cold air kisses my skin, but it’s not what makes me shiver. It's the anticipation and thrill of what I have in mind.I open the glass door and step into the steam-fille

SLOANE “I've missed you.” Noah says as he looks at me with a worried expression. “Has he been good to you?”My brother, who I've been avoiding since I woke up, decided to show up at my front door. In my defense, I wasn't going to hide forever. I just didn't know what had happened in the last nine years. Noah and I were separated at a young age. While he was sheltered and shown love by mum and dad, I was sold off to make money that paid for his school. Honestly, the only feeling I remember having towards him is resentment. How could he have life so easy?But as we sit and I watch the look on his face, it tells me we have reconciled and genuinely care for each other.“Yes. He has been good to me.” Noah sighs, runs a hand through his hair, and then sighs again.“If he starts treating you badly, you need to tell me Slo. You've already been through so much, I just want you to be happy.”I laugh, finding him a little dramatic, “ Besides the kidnappings, I'm very fine and happy.”“What kid

SLOANE If you're provoked, is murder still considered illegal?That's the thought I have running in my head as I watch Ian walk into his stupid office. How dare he?How dare he accuse me of keeping secrets, of siding with my brother, when I just spent the last thirty minutes defending him like a damn fool?I could’ve told Noah everything. I should have. But I didn’t. I protected Ian. I made excuses for him. I made myself the villain in a story I didn’t even write, just so he wouldn’t have to deal with the fallout of his own choices.And what do I get in return?“You’re deflecting. You’re lying. Sloane the martyr.”I feel the sting in my chest like a fresh slap. It keeps replaying in my head like some awful loop I can’t switch off. His tone, his face, the way he pulled away from me like I was some stranger who couldn’t be trusted.“Did your precious husband tell you everything? Did he tell you what happened two years ago?” Noah’s words echo in my head. What happened two years ago? W

SLOANE Dr. Elara dims the lights until the room is soaked in shadows, just soft enough to feel safe.She moves her chair closer with a notebook on her lap. On my side, is Ian, who is holding my hand with a gentle squeeze, making me feel safe. Her voice lowers into that calm, steady rhythm I remember from earlier. “Take a deep breath, Sloane. Let it out slowly. Feel your body relaxing, heavier with each breath… Ian is here, holding your hand. You are safe.”I squeeze his hand instinctively.Safe.That word means more with him next to me.“Close your eyes now,” she says, her voice soft and anchoring. “With each breath, I want you to drift a little further. Like you’re floating through fog. It’s quiet and peaceful. Your body stays here, but your mind will travel. To moments of happiness. When we are finnished, you will not remember my instructions, only the memories.”I breathe in.Then out.I breathe in again.Then out.Slowly, I begin to fall.The weight of the world slips off my che

SLOANE Honestly, after the type of life my parents gave me, I never thought of having kids. Not that I didn't want them, I just never imagined myself being pregnant because I was sure I wouldn't let any man touch me. That was until Ian came into my life. Now I've found myself hoping to be a mother. Wanting to carry his children. Burying all the trauma in a closet and locking it away. I stare at the stick and pick it up slowly as if it will burn me. With my eyes closed, I lift it to my chest and open them slowly. One line.Just one.Negative.The air in my lungs doesn’t move. I just stand there, staring at the single pink line like it has personally betrayed me.“Oh,” I whisper, barely able to hear myself.My hands drop to my sides as a strange ache settles in my chest. I wait for the relief that’s supposed to come. But it never does.Instead, there's a hollow pit opening somewhere inside me.My shoulders sag as I exhale slowly.Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and my chest