Page 101 of Crushed Vow

“That’s not an answer.”

Ethan exhaled, voice dropping to something raw. “I don’t think any woman would want a man with a daughter he hasn’t seen in five years.”

“I didn’t fight for her. I didn’t show up. I let her mother take full custody and disappear with her. I told myself it was for the best, but deep down, I knew I was just too broken to be a father.”

He gave a bitter laugh, eyes fixed on nothing. “My daughter probably wouldn’t even recognize me now. And her mom? She hates me. Wants nothing to do with me, or for me to have anything to do with our kid.”

He dragged a hand down his face. “I’m messed up, Charlotte. No decent woman would ever want to end up with someone like me.”

“We all have scars, Ethan. You don’t have to be whole to be worthy of love.”

He gave me a crooked smile. “Genevieve deserves more. Not someone who wakes up in cold sweats over things he can’t fix.”

“She still looks at you like you hung the stars,” I whispered.

He shook his head, as if shaking off the weight. “She’s my best friend, Charlotte. I shouldn’t think about that.”

“And what if she already is?”

“She’s not,” he said, too fast. “I know her better than anyone.”

I didn’t argue. As a woman, I saw it—clear as daylight—in Genevieve’s eyes. But he would see it eventually. I just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.

I shifted through the bag she brought for him and pulled out a folded shirt.

“She brought you two clothes.”

“Yeah,” Ethan said, stretching slightly. “Something I could change into. She even guessed my size right. Not sure if I should be impressed or terrified.”

I held one up. It smelled like her perfume... and faintly like him.

I chuckled softly. “Can I take this with me?” I held up the spare shirt.

His lips quirked. “Of course. Consider it a souvenir from the saddest hospital visit of your life.”

I smiled softly, folding it with care before resting it on my lap. My fingers brushed the cotton like it was made of glass.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Ethan... be strong, okay? I need to go. The doctor said I shouldn’t be up for too long.”

He studied me. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Define okay,” I smiled, and started to rise.

He let out a tired chuckle. “If Cassian’s hurting you... just say the word. I’ll stab him in what’s left of his half-blind eyes.”

I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I waved him goodbye and stepped outside into the frigid New York air. The wind bit at my skin, and I tucked my arms around myself as I approached the car.

But then—I saw him.

Someone leaning against my car.

No. No. No.

Luca.