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.”

the sofa, “I know you probably don’t want to talk about this, but just in case I’m wrong,

I immediately take it back, “Forget it. You

his hand, “No, it’s okay. Talking about this is something I have to get used to. Everyone’s already asking me questions about my marriage. I believe

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

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

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

a second before he adds, “You like

surprised me. I didn’t think anyone could tell that I

as I try to

don’t plan on telling anyone if you’re worried about that. I just wanted to let you

things I’m willing to do for her that I wouldn’t ever think about doing for someone else. I’m scared, no, I’m terrified. I know I can never have anything solid with her. I know our life

places a hand on my shoulder, “Don’t let my failed marriage stop you from having something