Chapter 1873

"I see you as… as…. as someone I could depend on for the rest of my life," Patricia said softly, her face growing redder with every word. There was no mistaking what she meant. Jack shook his head. Things were heading exactly where he didn't want them to go. His voice grew firm. "I can only ever be your brother. Bella and I love each other, and we're about to hold our wedding ceremony soon. I believe you'll find your happiness one day." Others could call Jack cold or fake if they wanted. After what had happened with Wilhelmina, he couldn't afford another mistake like that. He had to shut this down before it crossed a line—cut off not only Patricia's feelings, but the indecent thoughts in his head. "Happiness? How am I supposed to find happiness after hearing that?" Patricia's eyes glistened with tears as she bit her lip. "Do you know that from the very first time I met you, you've been the only one in my heart?" Back then, Patricia and her mother had been at their lowest point. He