Page 140 of Chasing Hope

He places his hand on top of mine. “Don’t be hard on yourself. Not with this.”

“I feel like going back in time and shaking myself, though. Why did I think it was easier to stay with someone who was hurting me?”

And why did I think I deserved it?

Taking a steadying breath, I lift my eyes to his. “I’ll go to therapy, but on one condition.”

“I’m all ears.”

“You can’t tell Caleb.”

Matteo’s eyes widen, his hand in mine turning cold. “Dove…”

“No please,” I urge him. “I know what I’m asking is going to be hard, but I can’t…I can’t deal with him knowing right now. If he ever finds out, I want to be the one to tell him.”

I can see he’s fighting himself, can see the war I’ve started within his mind.

He confirms my thoughts as he says, “Every part of me wants to push back on this but I would be no better if I forced your hand. I can’t do that to you, not with this.”

Relief sweeps through me. Leaning forward, I lay my forehead against his chest and breathe just a little easier. “Thank you.”

“But just know,” he says roughly, his voice like ice, “Serena has lost all my respect and I’ve never despised someone like I do her.”

I’m not sure why but the words heal a sliver of my broken soul. That small girl within me, the one that was subjected to the torture, sighs in relief, cries tears of joy that someone is taking her side.

Clinging to Matteo, I squeeze his arm, sighing further as he wraps me in a tight embrace.

“I’m here, Dove, and I believe you. Every word.”

I’m glad someone finally does.

Chapter 42

Matteo

ICEHAWKS BITCHES

JOHNSON

WHERE THE FUCK IS IRVING???

IRVING

you called for me darling?

O’CONNOR

this should be good

MITCHEL

grab the popcorn Lewis

LEWIS

ON IT

JOHNSON