Page 177 of Fighting Chance

That he deserves more than fleeting bursts of energy.

He deserves the world.

And that’s why when he stands, looking as if I slapped him, all I can see is how much it would hurt him more to see me wither away day by day.

I can’t be selfish.

So I let Kieran Ashford go.

And the second he leaves the room, coldness seeps into my bones, my blood no longer flows, and my soul… It knows it just lost its other half.

Within mere seconds, I know I’ve just made the most horrendous mistake of my life.

LAYLA

do you still want me to nanny for you?

KIERAN

of course I do

Emmy would murder me if you never came back

I’d never forgive myself if I lost you

so please stay

LAYLA

okay

I’ll stay

THREE WEEKS LATER

Chapter 39

Kieran

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

want to tell me what has my best friend so depressed?

is this how it felt when I ignored you?

KIERAN

yes

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

it sucks

KIERAN

I know

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER