Chapter 50

Nathaniel

I stumble through the dimly lit hallway of my house, the bitter taste of whiskey lingering on my tongue. My fingers fumble for my phone, and I finally manage to dial Megra’s number. The ring echoes in my ear, each tone like a hammer against my heart.

She answers on the third ring, her voice sharp and wary. "What do you want, Nathaniel?"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I did not expect her to pick up my call. "Megra, I love you; all I want is you. I feel like I’d rather die than not have you by my side."

There’s a pause, then she speaks, her tone colder than I’ve ever heard. "How, Nathaniel? How do you want me? As a mistress? Do you plan to cheat on your new wife like you did on me? I can't do this, Nathaniel."

Her words cut deep, and I can feel my frustration boiling over. "That was different, Megra. Our relationship wasn’t solid, and then I didn’t even think we had a relationship. Everything was so complicated then. I didn’t think I loved you."

She snorts; th