Chapter 16

Peter's lips moved slightly, feeling as if he'd reached the limits of his strength. He braced himself against the table and slowly sat down in front of Frost. It had been five years. He had lived in guilt for five whole years, and for those same five years, he had hurt this woman. He was remorseful as the days went by, and a sense of self-blame grew heavier with time. He despised his own cowardice for bowing to money, and hated his own weakness for failing to protect the one he loved. All of that torment had been tied to one supposed death. It had been a burden he couldn't bear, so he transferred that pain to Frost. They had tortured each other for five years. In the end, it was all for nothing? Then, what had those five years of hatred and pain mean? How could he ever mend the cracks that five years had formed between them? Peter stared blankly at Frost. In her eyes, he saw a trace of hurt as well. "Are you satisfied now? Happy?" His voice trembled. "At least I did what I c