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Or, worse, that I couldn’t handle him telling me the truth?
We’ve worked to fill in the gaps in our communication, building trust and honesty. Heck, we said we love each other a few weeks ago. My heart sinks further in my chest, free-falling into my rib cage.
All this time, Matthew had a secret.
I need to talk to him.
Pulling myself up out of my seat, I catch the look of pure fear in Maya’s eyes.
“Molly, I’m really sorry.”
I shake my head, hoping I look even remotely reassuring. “It’s not your fault; I just need to find Matthew.”
As I stand, she tugs on my wrist, yanking my attention to her once more. “Please don’t be mad at him. She said some of the most heinous things to him before ending their relationship. This is the first time I’ve seen him be himself again, and I’m sure whatever reason—”
“I’m not mad,” I say truthfully.
Matthew’s only long-term partner hurt him. This Laura who he once loved broke his heart. Probably to the point where this made him feel ashamed?
I know exactly what it feels like to want to conceal pieces of yourself.
Is that why he put off telling me? Because he thought I’d do whatever she did?
My strong, sincere, and passionate man who had to wear this chip on his shoulder for years.
I hate it. Anger pulses in my veins. I hate that anyone ever inflicted wounds that deep over something beyond his control.
But the man I love needs to tell me the truth, the whole truth.
Chapter35
Matthew
The kidsfinally fell asleep after I read to them for an hour. Exhaustion seeps into my bones from today’s running around. When I enter the bedroom, Molly is sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Hi, darling.” I give her a soft smile, but she looks sullen. My favorite amber eyes are bloodshot and heavy. “Are you alright?” Worry strums in my veins. Molly doesn’t reply. I sit on the bed. She drapes her arms around my neck and pulls me into a suffocating hug. “Baby.” I fail to conceal the panic in my voice. “What’s wrong?”
Everything’s been fine. I mean, more than fine. I look over at the dresser, where I hid the ring I want to give her. It’s closed. Did she find it and think this is all happening too fast? What could’ve possibly gone on in the few hours since our first win in the Hudson Olympics?
Did something happen with her parents?
“I’m sorry,” she whispers against my chest.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Molly.” I pull away from her, searching her face.
Her full lip quivers, and I’m concerned that on her next breath she’ll simply fall apart in my hands. “Maya, she didn’t mean to, but she told me about…”
She knows.
Christ. I should have told her before dinner. I was waiting until…well, now, when we were alone.
“Let me explain,” I interject. Every cell in my body ignites with terror.
“I know why you didn’t tell me.” Molly frowns, wincing.
Acid burns my throat. “Please, give me the chance to explain everything.”
“No, Matthew, I—” Her voice trembles. I slide off the bed and collapse onto my knees in front of her, lodging myself between her legs.
