Page 111 of The Husband Contract

“She told me they were killed in a car crash.”

“Yeah. I think she may have mentioned to you that it was a drunk driver who hit them, and they were deceased on contact, as well as the driver.”

“That’s awful.”

“I don’t know if you’re understanding what I’m saying here, Sebastian.”

“Then why don’t you just say it, Jack?”

“The anniversary of her parents’ death was yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” I frown. “Well, that’s a coincidence, because the anniversary of David’s death was yesterday as well.” And suddenly it hits me. All blood leaves my body. “Oh, shit. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“Yes, are you okay, Sebastian?”

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to think. Give it to me in black and white so I am 100% on the same page here. Jack, are you saying that David was the driver who killed Willow’s parents?”

He’s silent on the other line, giving me my answer.

This is bad. This is really bad. I feel like earth has shifted away from underneath me and I’m desperately falling with nothing to hold onto.

“How do I tell her? How do I ask her for her forgiveness? You’re telling me that not only am I responsible for David’s death, but I’m responsible for her parents death as well? I’m responsible for ruining her life in two ways? I should just turn the car around right now. I should.”

“Sebastian, I don’t tell you this because I want you to feel guilty. I tell you this because I want you to have all the facts.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m absolutely gutted. I feel like I owe Willow the world, and I don’t even know how to make this better. I don’t even know if I should tell her.”

“You have to decide what you think is right,” Jack says. “But I always like you to have all the facts so you can move forward confidently and be more aware. I will always be on your side, but I always want you to live and act in truth.”

“Thank you.” I take a deep breath. “I’m going to go now, okay?”

“Please drive safely, Sebastian.”

“Don’t worry. I’m fine.” I hang up, and because I don’t want to sit with my thoughts, I turn on the radio.

Heavy metal music blasts, and I’m grateful for the sound of the guitar and the drums as I make my way closer and closer to Whispering Haven Bed and Breakfast. It’s ironic that Willow and I have this connection, because the truth of the matter is, I do think we were fated in some way to meet. We have a long history, and we didn’t even know it. And yet, it’s not good—none of it is good.

I so desperately love this woman, and I want her to be able to trust me, to give me another chance. But I’ve already got insurmountable mountains to climb, and this feels like one thing too much. I’m angry. I’m angrier than I’ve ever been in my life, and I’m also heartbroken.

Deciding I need to speak to Sergio, I call his number. He better pick up.

“Hey, bro, what’s going on?” He sounds like he’s sleeping, but I don’t care.

“Sergio, I have one question to ask you.”

“What is it? If you’re asking if I’m safe, I’m fine. It was just some weed, bro. Don’t worry about it. I’m not going to do anything to myself.”

“Sergio, we’re past this point right now. You’re mybrother, and I love you, but you’re going to have to start making better decisions. I’m not going to be picking up after you anymore. You have fucked up your life, and you’re fucking up mine, and you’re fucking up other people’s. And as much as I want to be there for you, as much as I feel a responsibility for you, maybe I’ve done you a disservice. You’re immature and are wasting all the potential and opportunities you’ve been given and for what? Did Willow really break your heart?”

“Well, we both know now that the Willow I know is not really Willow.” He starts laughing. “I don’t know why she gave me another girl’s name, but hey, it’s all good now. Last night was one of the best nights of my life—both Charlotte, that’s her real name by the way, and Louisa came to bed and they?—”

“Sergio,” I shout loudly, “if you think I give a fuck about your sexual conquests, I don’t. I’m done with this bullshit. Do you hear me? I just have one question for you.”

“What? Are you really mad at me right now, Sebastian?”

“I’m madder than mad. But answer me this.”

“I’m listening. What is it?”