Chapter 14

Fabian's grip on the letter tightened abruptly. His knuckles turned white from the pressure. His chest felt as though it had been crushed under an unbearable weight. It was hard to breathe. Every word on the page was like a blade, slicing deep into his heart and leaving behind an agony he could hardly endure. "Valerie..." he whispered hoarsely. His voice trembled. "Why did you write this?" They had been so in love back then. Valerie had once told him she wanted to marry him in Eleyburn and have two children—one boy and one girl. She had depended on him and loved him. But why had things ended up like this? Fabian shut his eyes and took a deep breath to suppress the storm raging inside him. He knew that dwelling on Valerie now was pathetic. She was Amelia's murderer and someone he could never forgive. And yet, why did he still think of her? Why did he remember every moment with her? "I'm such a fool," Fabian muttered bitterly and slammed his fist onto the desk. The dull thud echo