The Price of His Bitter Regret

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acid in my gut. That day replayed in my mi

y heirloom, priceless, not just in monetary value, b

er, found evidence of me selling it. Fabricated evidence, a paper trail designed to conde

y honor, didn't listen to my frantic denials. He just stood

ery foundations of the old mansion. "Our mother's watch

at me to confess. The thunder cracked overhead, mirroring my breaking heart. I

wasn't me! Camille d

"Camille? Don't be ridiculous. She lov

d archway, a picture of innocence and concern, occasionally offered a soft, "Declan, darling, don't be too

onger a Carpenter. You are disinherited. S

d the family's immense influence to blacklist me from every reputable company, every decent job. It was a systematic

y hair to my face. I looked up one last time, meeting D

g but the clothes on my back a

ls and ramen noodles. I found a job as a recep

later. It was Declan. His voice, on

ne?" he asked, no preamble. "Ready

e? For what? For being frame

disappointment. "Just say the words, Caroline. Admi

he phone, tears stinging my eyes. "My mistake wa

o ice. "Don't insult Camille. She h

he words raw with five years of sup

l tone buzzed, a fi

kind woman named Sarah, looked heartbroken. "I'm so sorry,

gain. The entire city, it seemed, was u