My Perfect Marriage Was His Perfect Crime novel Chapter 9

"Nina, you didn't die! You're really alive! Do you know how much I missed you when you weren't here…"

I dodged his embrace.

Sterling's eyes were filled with sorrow: "You hate me, don't you? I know it was my fault. I shouldn't have let Luna's manipulation make me take away your right to be a mother. After you left, I kept thinking—if we hadn't gone down that path, how beautiful and healthy our child would have been, how happy we would have been."

"Nina, I know I was wrong."

I listened to him in silence, without the slightest emotional stir: "There is no ‘what if.'"

Sterling's face turned ashen, and he forced a bitter smile, looking down: "I know I've sinned greatly. I haven't slept a single night in the past six months. Luna has been tortured by me until she's unrecognizable, but I still can't forget. Later, I came to the place where you grew up, because it was the only place that still seemed to have your presence. That day, I accidentally found you. I was so excited, but I didn't dare disturb you. I thought as long as I could see you from a distance, that would be enough…"

"But I was too greedy. I kept thinking about my mistakes and wanted to start over, to make it up to you. Nina, I know what I'm saying might sound shameless, but could you… give me a chance to make it right?"

I couldn't help but laugh coldly: "Why do you think that because you apologize, I'll start over with you? I'd rather die than have anything to do with you. Can't you see that? A murderer asking for my forgiveness is the biggest joke in the world. If you truly wanted forgiveness, why don't you go turn yourself in?"

Sterling was visibly shaken by my words, his face pale, barely able to stand. He self-mockingly said, "You're right, I don't deserve forgiveness. I should atone for my sins."

He took out a card and handed it to me. "I know money can't make up for it, but I hope it can help you live a little easier."

I didn't take it, and he reluctantly set it on the ground, hoping I would.

"Nina, goodbye."

He looked at me deeply, his gaze full of longing, before turning away.

Behind him, I saw the Clarkson family.

They had been here for a while, standing a few steps away, hesitant to acknowledge me.

"Nina, why did you fake your death and deceive us? Do you know how heartbroken and devastated your parents were after you died?"

I coldly replied, "Oh? How heartbroken and devastated were Mrs. Clarkson?"