Chapter 211

[Cordelia]

Taking a deep breath, I reach forward and clasp the hand of my dear friend. "Henri," I smile sadly. "I can't marry you. In my heart, I'm still married to him," my hand absently presses the locket to my chest.

"Will you allow me at least to try and change your mind?" He shifts into businessman mode and I'm reminded of Atlas. There is a lot about Henri that reminds me of Atlas. They look completely different--Henri has black hair, brown skin, and bright green eyes whereas Atlas is blonde and fair with grey eyes--but they behave so similarly. Neither wear their hearts on their sleeve, but keep many of their emotions close to their chest. They also tend to think of relationships as business transactions.

"I'm not sure that would be fair for you," I reply honestly, trying to let him down gently. "Or to me."

"Let me make you an offer, a compromise," his grin increases. "Let's wait for a while, become better friends, spend the next year getting to know one another, maybe occasion