Page 19 of Unbroken

“Ms. Wren!”

I hear Mr. Granley’s voice calling to the back, and it snaps me right back to the present and has me panicking that the old man heard everything that just transpired. I’m just hoping his hearing aids were turned down, because otherwise, I’ll never be able to look him in the eye again.

Kayden removes his hand and steps away, allowing me space to put myself back together.

“I’ll give you a sec, baby. I’ll pretend like I’m using the restroom before I come out.”

I nod, not really knowing what to say to him at the moment. Just when I couldn’t get more confused about my feelings, he had to go and be all considerate, reminding me of the boy I fell in love with. The one who promised never to lie to me.

I head out to the front, not wanting to spiral into my thoughts again. Mr. Granley is perusing the case like he’s deciding what he’s going to have, but every morning he has the same thing.

“Good morning, Mr. G.”

He looks up with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Wren. It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it?”

“It is.” I smile genuinely. Shocking myself that it’s not forced as usual. “What can I get for you, Mr. G?”

“I’ll take an apple turnover and a crumpet, but if the missus comes by, I only had one.”

I shake my head, plating his pastries, and getting his coffee. When Kayden comes walking out, I almost spill the cup in my hand.

“Good to see you again, son,” Mr. G greets him in kind, and I’m wondering how on earth they know each other. It’s not like I did the introductions the other morning.

“Good morning, sir. Good morning, pretty girl,” Kade looks right at me, giving me a wink.

I give him a scowl in return, not wanting him to let on like there’s something happening between us. The last thing I want is for rumors to be spread.

“Why don’t you sit down and have breakfast with me?” Mr. G pats the spot next to him, but Kayden shakes his head, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

“I won’t be able to join you. I’m heading out of town.” Again, he looks at me, and this time, my stomach sinks. He’s leaving? But he just… We just… No. I told him to leave, and he’s respecting my wishes. He’s finally respecting my request. So then why the hell does it feel like my heart is being ripped out again?

“Well, you have a safe drive. Best of luck to you, son.” Mr. G tips his head politely and smiles.

And just like that, Kayden tells us both goodbye and turns and walks out the door. I watch as he climbs into his fancy red car and pulls away. My stomach tightening as I see him drive down the main street, leading right out of town. And the second his vehicle disappears from view, tears fill my eyes and I nearly lose my balance, having to prop myself against the counter before my sadness takes me down. He left. Just like that. No hug. NoI’ll miss you. No more pleading. He just left.

“I just need to take care of something in the back, Mr. G. If someone comes in, can you holler for me?”

Before he can answer me, I’m rushing to the back and locking myself in my office. The tears run down my cheeks, reminding me of what a fool I am. I wish he’d never come back because now what little progress I’d made to healing has been lost. I reach for a tissue from my desk and notice an envelope sitting on my keyboard.

To my little one.

I rush to open it,stupidly hoping that it’s a note saying he had to go meet with his parole officer and will be back in a few days, but when I start to scroll over the words, I realize it’s something different, and my heart breaks in two.

Dear Wren,

I didn’t know how to get you alone to tell you what I needed to say, so I wrote it in a letter. I want you to know that you weren’t alone in your pain. Not that it makes what I did any better, but you need to know I was suffering right along with you.

Night after night as I was locked in that cell, fighting for sleep to take me out of hell, I battled with my regret. The moment I wrote you that letter, I knew it was a mistake. But I’d hoped and prayed that I was doing right by you. It tore my heart out writing those words. Honestly, lying to you nearly killed me. But having to live with knowing that you were throwing away all your hopes and dreams, and spending all your time working on my case, broke me.

I knew the only way for you to let me go was if you hated me. I believed that once you healed from the breakup, you’d be able to pick up the pieces of your life and find your happiness again. I was hoping you’d put me in the past and live. But I was wrong. It kills me to know the pain I put you through, baby. I hate myself for taking away your smile. And if I could go back in time, I would’ve written you an entirely different letter. I would’ve told you how much I love you. I would’ve told you how lucky I was to have you in my life, and that I dreamt of you every night.

The memories of you were the only thing that kept me kicking in that place. I’d read your letters over and over just to ease the fear and heal the pain. You’re what got me through that hell, and I am so fucking sorry you didn’t have me or my words to help get you through, too.

I know that after everything, you may never be able to forgive me. But I want you to know that I was desperate for your happiness, and I still am. Which is why I’m going to respect your wishes. I’m going to give you space and time. But just know that I love you with all my heart. Always. Whether you forgive me or not, Wren, you’ll always be the love of my life. There will never be another for me.

I love you, little one.

Your Kade