—If I leave now, it’s easy. A closed chapter. An interesting experience. But if I stay—if we keep going—and one day you realize this isn’t what you really wanted…
My voice breaks on the last words, revealing the truth beneath everything. Not fear of missing my chance in Hollywood—but fear of giving everything to this relationship, only to watch it fall apart.
Callum looks at me for a long moment, his blue eyes searching mine as if he’s trying to find something hidden there.
CHAPTER 33
CALLUM
I look at Jane, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and I feel something inside me crack. She’s afraid I’ll regret marrying her? That I’d prefer some perfect Scottish Lady? If only she knew how completely the opposite is true…
—You’re afraid I’ll regret marrying you, I say slowly, trying to follow her logic. So your solution is to leave before that happens?
She looks away, fidgeting with the bracelet on her wrist.
—When you put it like that, it sounds stupid.
—Because it is, Jane.
My tone is harsher than I intend, but that fool Alistair McKenzie and that viper Heather have managed to plant enough doubt in her mind that she’s actually considering walking away from everything. Our marriage. Our life together. Me.
—Listen, Jane says, clearly frustrated. I’m being realistic. Hollywood is offering me an incredible opportunity. Martin Scorsese! It’s… it’s every actress’s dream.
—Then go, I say simply, unable to endure this conversation any longer. If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you.
Her expression darkens.
—See? That’s exactly it! You never say what you really feel. You hide behind this wall of cold politeness instead of admitting that you might, I don’t know, have actual human emotions!
I flinch as if she’s slapped me. Human emotions? If she only knew how hard I’m fighting not to beg her to stay… But I can’t. I won’t be the man who stands in the way of her dreams. I love her too much for that.
Did I really just think that? I love her too much?
—Jane, I say, forcing my voice to stay steady, I respect your right to pursue your career. I understand how important this opportunity is to you.
—That’s not what I’m asking, Callum! she bursts out, exasperated. I’m asking whatyouwant. Do you want me to stay? Or would you be relieved if I left?
How can she possibly think I’d be relieved? After everything we’ve been through? After the cabin, after the Highland Games, after all those nights spent talking until dawn?
But I can’t tell her that. I can’t lay my feelings on her when she has this once-in-a-lifetime chance. If she’s even considering leaving, then maybe—deep down—what we have isn’t enough for her. Even if she won’t admit it.
—What I want doesn’t matter, I say at last. This is your decision, Jane. Your career. Your life.
She looks at me as if I’ve just confirmed her worst fears.
—Okay, she says softly. I understand.
She walks toward the door, then pauses with her hand on the handle.
—You know, I thought our arrangement had turned into something real. Something worth fighting for. But clearly… I was wrong.
The door closes quietly behind her, and I stand there, motionless, with the sinking certainty that I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life.
I don’t sleep.How could I, knowing Jane is down the hall in the guest room—or at least trying to sleep? Knowing that every passing hour brings her closer to a decision that could take her out of my life for good?
At dawn, I grab my car and drive without thinking. I need air. Space. Distance. Away from the castle. Away from my family’s questioning looks.
I end up, almost by accident, outside the village pub. The Grumpy Sheep is closed at this hour, of course. Ewan lives just at the edge of the village. Without really thinking, I pull out my phone and call him.
