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

looks uncomfortable with my question, and I immediately take it back, “Forget it. You

beer in 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 the word has already spread everywhere. I wanted to keep it hidden, but it isn’t something I can

against the wall with his 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

can tell how difficult all of this is for him. He doesn’t try to hide his pain from me, and I’m glad he’s letting his genuine emotions out. That way, he would be able to heal

Scarlett. I should have known on that night that you are better than that. Drunk or not, you wanted to be there with

second before he adds,

his question, but it surprised me. I didn’t think

jaw clenches as I try to

if you’re worried about that. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here for you if you ever need someone

for Scarlett. There are 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

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