Chapter 22

A wave of crushing insecurity and regret washed over Maverick. He almost turned back, but he couldn't. Taking a deep breath, he summoned every ounce of courage he had left. He stumbled forward, rushing to intercept Nicole before she could walk away. "Nicky…" His voice sounded hoarse from the sheer exhaustion of the long trip and raw from how desperately he was pleading. "I... I was wrong. Please, come back with me. Okay?" Nicole stopped in her tracks. The smile vanished from her face instantly. She lifted her gaze at Maverick with total composure. It was the look one gave a complete stranger, a passerby who had disturbed her peace. There was no hatred, no resentment, not even a flicker of emotion. It was a cold detachment. Nicole frowned slightly, as if trying to figure something out. Then, her lips parted, and she spoke. Her words were clear and harsh like an ice-tipped blade that pierced through his last shred of pathetic hope. "I'm sorry, sir. You've got the wrong person." Wi