What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 64

Stepping into the crisp morning air, I found Castro waiting - a portrait of calculated perfection in his bespoke Tom Ford suit, the one that had always made my heart skip.

A cascade of ivory roses trembled slightly in his grip, betraying the tension beneath his polished facade.

"Aveline, look," his voice cracked with practiced remorse, "I've been doing a lot of thinking. That day... I was completely out of line. Raising my hand to you..."

"Oriana is just..." he swallowed hard, "history. A closed chapter. If her presence makes you uncomfortable, I'll cut all ties. Just say the word."

I studied him, wondering what game he was playing. His devotion to Oriana had been obvious to anyone with eyes.

Now that she was back, why chase me across an ocean instead of embracing his happy ending?

Interpreting my silence as hesitation, he pulled out a Cartier red leather box and dropped to one knee.

"Let me spend forever making it up to you," he breathed, his voice taking on that honeyed tone that had once convinced me of anything.

"Marry me. From now on, there will only be room for you in my life."

The rare pink diamond in the box sparkled - a scene I'd dreamed of countless times. Thank God he'd never given it before.

I reached out slowly, watching hope bloom in his eyes before I snapped the box shut with a decisive click.

"Castro," my voice came out steadier than I felt, "I fell for you because I thought you were honorable and exceptional. Instead, I found a skilled liar who wears masks like second skin."

"You used your best friend's sister as a placeholder, and felt no remorse. Why would I entrust my future to someone like that?"

The color drained from his face, but no defense came to his lips.

"I'm engaged," I continued, watching the words hit him like physical blows. "To someone who doesn't need seven years to decide if I'm worth acknowledging in public."

His head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Though we've known each other briefly, I respect him deeply. He's not only handsome but genuinely kind, engaging, and most importantly - a man of integrity."

"Please don't contact me again."

"No." The roses hit the ground, petals scattering like snow as he lunged forward, fingers circling my wrists with desperate strength. His knees hit the gravel, designer pants be damned.