Chapter 177

Hannah shot Vincent an impatient look, clearly unable to grasp what he was trying to say.

Vincent had wrestled with himself for a long time. He had stayed silent about everything between him and Brinley, believing it was something he could manage alone. But now, Brinley had gone so far as to hurt Hannah-and that, he realized, was a direct result of his silence and past indulgence. That made him just as much to blame.

His mind wandered, slipping into an old memory."Brinley, her brother, and I grew up together," he began slowly. "When I was seven, I dragged her brother to come with me to the beach. The waves were too strong. We got swept away. Her father came running-he saved me first. But when he went back for his son... Neither of them came back." He paused, his voice tightening. "Brinley was only five.Ever since then, I've given her everything she wanted. The way she turned out... That's on me."

He blamed himself for failing to guide Brinley as he should have.

Hannah's eyes flickered with surprise, but the emotion vanished almost instantly. "You're telling me this now so that I'll feel bad for you?" she asked,her tone flat. "So I'Il understand how hard life has been for you?"

Vincent's face darkened. "Of course not. I'm telling you because I owe you a real apology, and to make it clear that I only view Brinley as a little sister. Nothing more."

"You don't need to apologize," Hannah replied coolly."You made your choices. Now you live with the consequences. And whether Brinley's like your sister or someone you failed to guide properly-it's got nothing to do with me."

Vincent frowned, urgency creeping into his voice. How can it have nothing to do with you? You used to mind her so much. You always thought something was going on between her and me. I'm telling you now-there wasn't. There never was."

Hannah let out a low chuckle. But just as quickly, the smile disappeared. She looked at him coldly."How many times did I ask you about her? Hundreds, at least. And each time, you said nothing. But after we divorced; now you come to explain yourself? Don't you think that's ridiculous?"

"There's still time to make things right," Vincent said,stepping closer.

"No, there isn't," Hannah replied icily, her voice distant. "I don't care about your little history with Brinley."

Vincent's brows pulled together. "You don't believe me? Or do you still think there was something between me and Brinley? If you don't believe me,ask my grandmother."

"I'm just your ex-wife," Hannah said, her voice void of emotion. "Does it really matter what I believe?"

"It matters." Vincent stared at her. After a pause, he added, "Because I regret everything. I don't want to be your ex-husband. I want another chance. I want us to try again."

That was why Vincent had poured everything out-he believed that explaining his past with Brinley could erase the misunderstandings and start over. But Hannah's reaction clearly disappointed him.

Suddenly, it clicked for Hannah. So this was what it was all about. He thought that unravelling the mess with Brinley could undo the damage. That it could fix them."You think that just because you cleared things up with Brinley, I'll say yes to marrying you again?"she asked sharply.

Vincent's face remained serious. "Isn't that the point? You used to mind her so much."

"Vincent, don't be so naive." Hannah's frustration grew. "Brinley was just the trigger. Even if there was nothing between you and her, the real issue is that you let her hurt me. And now, what-those things don't count because you've 'explained' them?"

"I'll make it up to you," Vincent said, his voice sincere.

Hannah's lips twitched downward. "You'll make it up to me again? For the nights I cried, the pain I endured because of you-do you really think you can make up for that?"

Vincent said nothing.

Hannah didn't let up. Her tone was cutting. "What makes you think I'd pretend none of it ever happened and just take you back?"

"You still love me, don't you?" Vincent's voice quickened, desperation creeping in. "Back when we were abroad, you were so worried about me...Doesn't that mean you still care?"

Hannah met his gaze, calm and unwavering. "Even if it hadn't been you-if a total stranger had died trying to save me-I still would've cried. You're not special.I stopped caring about you a long time ago."

Something flickered in her eyes. She took a step forward, studying him. "Let me ask you something...That stab wound you took for me-did it hurt?"

Vincent hesitated and then gave a small nod.

Hannah reached out and pressed against,his abdomen through his shirt."Was it here?"

Vincent caught her hand and guided it lower, holding her gaze. "Here. Right here."

He was sure of it-she still cared.

But then, without warning, Hannah pressed hard on the spot.

"Ah-" Vincent gasped, his face contorting in pain.His eyes searched hers, confused and stunned.

Hannah lowered her gaze. Her voice came quiet,emotionless. "Hurts, doesn't it?"

She looked up, meeting his eyes. "But that pain? It doesn't even come close to one-tenth of what you've put me through. I was broken because of you. Why would I ever go back to you? Recall this pain. And don't even dare mention "remarriage" in such a casual manner. You're not worthy of another opportunity."

With that, Hannah stepped around him and walked away without a backward glance.

Vincent left behind, defeated.