Chapter 382

When Reese said she was going to divorce Sebastian, marry Matthew, and have their child to save him, Matthew could barely process it. Shock crashed into him first, then this wild, almost dizzy happiness. But right after, something else hit even harder a guilt he couldn’t shake, and a pang of emotion he could barely Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on.net
name.
He’d never dreamed Reese would make a choice like this, not for him. The more he thought about it, the more the guilt settled in, heavy and cold. How could he let her go through with this? How could he let her walk out of one marriage, only to step right back into another for his sake? And risking her health, even her happiness, just to save him? That wasn’t right.
Matthew didn’t want to be anyone’s burden, especially not Reese’s. Most of all, he couldn’t stand the idea that she might do this because she felt she owed him, or because she felt guilty. He wanted her to be with him because she wanted to, not because she felt trapped by gratitude or responsibility.
That thought made his chest tighten until he felt almost breathless. He couldn’t let this happen, not if it meant Reese was sacrificing herself. He had to find another way, some way to fix things without asking this of her.
Just then, Reese walked in. She found Matthew leaning against the doorframe, looking pale and lost in thought. He didn’t even seem to notice her at first.
“Matthew, what are you doing up?” Reese hurried over, worry written all over her face. She reached for his arm, steadying him. “The doctor said you’re supposed to rest. Come on, get back in bed.”
Snapped out of his thoughts by her voice, Matthew tried to smile. The concern in her eyes was a comfort, but it only made his guilt worse. He tried to sound casual, even though he wasn’t sure he could pull it off. “I’m fine. Honestly, I was getting stiff lying there all day. I just needed to move around.”
He studied her. “Where did you go just now? You look upset.”
Reese guided him back to the bed, making sure he was comfortable and tucked in before she answered. “It’s nothing. I just needed a little air.”
She didn’t mention what had happened with Sebastian. She didn’t want to add to his worries.
But Matthew could see through her. He saw the tiredness in her eyes, the way her calm seemed forced. The guilt inside him only grew.
“Reese He reached out and gently took her hand, his expression serious. “I heard you talking with Sebastian earlier. I heard everything.”
Reese froze, the calm she’d tried to keep slipping away. Her eyes went wide with panic. “Matthew, I
She couldn’t find the words, didn’t know what to say or how he’d react.
Matthew shook his head, cutting her off. His voice was steady, even though he felt anything but. “I know you’re trying to help me, but you can’t do this for me.”
“Matthew, I she started, but he stopped her again.
“I know you want to save me,” he said, his voice hoarse but sure. “But I can’t let you leave Sebastian, marry me, and have a child just because of me.
“It’s not fair, Reese. You deserve so much more. You shouldn’t be tied to me just because you think you owe me your life.”
His words made her eyes fill with
tears. She shook her head, her voice trembling. “Matthew, it’s not
because feel guilty or responsible.” want to do this. I want to be with you.”
She took a shaky breath, searching for courage. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time. Being with you is what I’ve always wanted, not something doing out of obligation.”
Matthew stared at her, stunned, his heart pounding. He saw the tears shining in her eyes, saw how serious
how much she meant
she was, how
every word. For a moment it felt like,
the world had stopped and nothing
else mattered but her.