Chapter 24

"Not so fast. The doctors want me to stay in Jorleston another two weeks. If everything checks out at the follow-up, then I'm officially recovered," Cindy explained. Arthur gave a quiet nod. He couldn't stop looking at her, his eyes moving over her face like he was memorizing it, full of sadness and regret. Cindy took his hand, the one wearing the watch, and gently unclasped it with delicate fingers, revealing the raw scar beneath. Arthur flinched, the sight of his worst self laid bare. He tried to jerk his hand away, but Cindy's grip held firm, her gaze so intense it felt like it was scorching his very bones. "Why would you do this to yourself?" she asked. "Because I hate myself," Arthur said softly. "All that pain you went through was because of me." Cindy smiled and let go of his wrist. "I don't hate you, Arthur," Cindy said with conviction. "Those five years weren't just about trying to earn your forgiveness. I was grieving Winter. From the Forsyths' perspective, I probably