Billionaire's Betrayal: My Ex Beg Me To Love Him Again

Chapter 0068

Caroline's POV:

"Caroline," William rasped, shock playing over his face. A couple beats passed before he wound his arms around me in kind, squeezing be tight against his broad chest. A smile ghosted over my lips as I knew right then that I still had a place in his cold heart, as small as it might be.

I shamelessly buried my face into his neck, taking in his smooth, earthy cologne. I could feel his warm pulse against my skin, beating quickly as I only pressed myself closer to him.

"Every time I close my eyes," I croaked, pretending to sniffle in sadness, "I see him. I see that dark room and the man who hurt me. I can still feel the ropes around my wrists and ankles. Oh, William, please stay with me."

A shuddering breath left William as he took in my words, and sure enough, my ruse worked. His hug only tightened and I could feel him give a slow, deliberate nod. "Of course I'll stay with you, Caroline," he murmured tenderly. "I'll keep you safe."

With my face buried into his neck, he couldn't see the mocking smile that lifted my soft lips. Perhaps he was pleased that his poor, clumsy explanation somehow "convinced" me. Either way, he really was too easy to manipulate. Had it been anyone else, regret would have clenched my heart, but not with William. A man like him did not deserve my sympathy.

Slowly and carefully, William set me down on the bed, taking the duvet and gingerly draping it over me. "Are you afraid of the dark?" he asked, and for a moment, I thought he was joking. When I saw the firm frown set on his face, however, I knew he was serious. Straining to keep a straight face, I merely nodded.

To his credit, it was rather sweet that he was willing to retrieve a night light just for me. He plugged it into the wall before shutting off the lights, slowly crawling into bed beside me. I laid on the right side while he occupied the left, just like when we were still married. Something nameless clenched at my heart, but I refused to analyze it.

William's touches were tender and soft as he pulled me close to him, careful not to touch my injured ankle. "Don't be afraid, Caroline," he murmured, his eyes slipping shut as sleep began to ebb at his consciousness. "Good night."

I failed to respond this time. I wasn't going to subject myself to saying more disgustingly sweet words. They left a sour taste in my mouth and made it difficult not to roll my eyes. Fortunately, William didn't notice, and soon he was taken by a deep sleep.

William's breathing was slow and steady, hitting my neck in hot waves that had, once upon a time, comforted me and lulled me to sleep. If I listened closely, I could even hear the heartache that plagued his chest.

Behind this seemingly warm and domestic picture lay a bloody reality: betrayal and lies that had destroyed my life in just a matter of a few years. There was not a doubt in my mind that

1/2

Chapter 0068

+25 BONUS

these lies would only continue to haunt me.

I knew full well that had he never broken it off with Sophia, it would be her body that warmed his bed. His love was fragile and cheap, easy to lose once he grew bored of his current plaything. I was just a replacement to keep his heart warm; something he could take care of and dote over until his love inevitably faded.

my

back

Once I was sure that William was lost to sleep, I shimmied out of his arms and turned to him. I couldn't stand to feel his skin on mine right now, for it brought back too many memories of what had once been.

Memories of today's events flickered through my mind like a picture show. William had " heroically" come to save me in just the nick of time, and I couldn't help but note just how coincidental it all felt. It was like my life was set on a stage for someone else's amusement. I felt the duvet shift and as someone began to tug insistently on it. It must have been William trying to hog more of the blankets. "William, what are you-

>>

A pause interrupted my words as I realized that William was as still as the night. In fact, the tugging was coming from the other side of the bed. Looking over the side of the bed, I noticed the outline of a tiny figure, its small fist clenched tightly around the covers and yanking weakly to get my attention.

I was stunned, and it took me a moment to properly process what I was seeing. "George?" I whispered, sitting up. "What are you doing here?"

Chapter 0069