CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: Guilt

Driven by a frantic need for clarity, I rush out of the penthouse.

"Please, Hazel, wait!" Marius yells.

But I don’t slow down, let alone glance back.

The rain outside greets me with a ferocity that matches my turmoil, soaking me within seconds. I don't care. I need space to think.

I continue running, and Marius is still calling my name. When I reach the other side of the road, I come to an abrupt stop to catch my breath. Marius is there, across the street.

"Hazel, please! You've got to trust me!" he shouts, his voice raw and desperate.

Memories of our amazing time together flash through my mind. Could it be that we just need to talk things through? For a brief moment, I consider going back to him and let him explain.

But before I can act, Marius darts onto the road, his focus solely on me.

Then,...

Time seems to slow as the headlights of an oncoming car illuminate his figure, too late for him to dodge. The car hits Marius, hurling his body a few feet away.

My heart stops beatin