The Unwanted Bride Of Atticus Fawn

~CARTER~

I was pacing from left to right. I couldn’t get Scarlett out of my f*****g mind. She was all I could think about. Clara’s earlier slap wasn’t even on my mind.

“What’s wrong with you?” Alaric asks as he walks into the living room.

Was he suddenly speaking to me again?

“I thought you weren’t speaking to me.” I confront him.

He looks guilty and avoids eye contact, “Look, I’m sorry about that night. I don’t know why I got so worked up. It’s not like I don’t know your ways and how you deal with your issues. I should have stayed out of it. What you do with Scarlett or Clara shouldn’t be my concern. I was trying to look out for you; I didn’t want you to make a big mess of your life.”

I nod, “I’m over it.” I assure him. “You’re my older brother. You can correct me if you think I’m doing something wrong.”

He looks pleasantly surprised by my response. “That’s good to know, Carter.”

over to the sofa, “I know you probably don’t want to talk about this, but just in case I’m wrong, tell me, are you finally divorcing

and I immediately take it back, “Forget it. You

I have to get used to. Everyone’s already asking

eyes on the ceiling, “I tried my best to make my marriage work. I never wanted to have a divorce. I was positive I could keep Nicole happy for the rest of our lives. I never wanted to hurt her. I was dishonest from the start. I’m the reason she hates me. I plan

hide his pain from me, and I’m glad he’s letting his genuine emotions out.

don’t think you’re messing around with Scarlett. I should have known on that night that you

for a second before he adds, “You like her, don’t

to act unbothered by his question, but it surprised me. I didn’t think anyone could tell

clenches as I try to look at anything but

about that. I just wanted to let you know

else. I’m scared, no, I’m terrified. I know I can never have anything solid with her. I know our life demands that we stay single; it’s why we were never blessed with mates. I know Scarlett is the closest to a

shoulder, “Don’t let my failed