Chapter 353

But who would have thought Desmond's life was so difficult behind closed doors?

“Desmond was only human. He got tired, too. I'd catch him sneaking out at night to smoke, trying to hide it from me. Every time, it broke my heart. I blamed myself for being such a burden,” Tanya said, shaking her head.

“I wanted to leave him, not because I didn't love him, but because I loved him too much. I didn't want him to be so worn out.” Her words cast her in a self-sacrificing light.

“Well, he’s not tired anymore. He’ll never be tired again,” I muttered.

Tanya caught the bitterness in my voice. “You’ve never walked a mile in my shoes. You don’t understand,” she snapped, her voice rising.

She stared at me, then the anger faded. “As for Desmond’s death, I swear I didn’t hurt him. I just wanted him to see my betrayal, to push him away so he’d leave on his own, set him free.”

“The car accident wasn’t your fault?” I whispered.

“No, no,” Tanya shook her head vehemently. “Desmond was so good to me—I’m not a monster. How could I ever want to take his life?”

“But he still died because of you,” I countered, refusing to let her evade responsibility. Desmond’s death was on her hands, whether she liked it or not.

Tanya’s eyes flickered, and she lowered her gaze. “I’ll repay him in the next life.”

“Please, you’re so callous—if Desmond sees you in the next life, he’ll probably run the other way,” I retorted icily. I didn’t hold back. If she weren’t pregnant, I would have already dragged her to her feet and slapped her.

I recalled something Jace had said—how Desmond loved Tanya more than anything, how he would have given his life for her. He said Desmond treated her as if she could do no wrong, as if she were his world.

Now, listening to Tanya, I only felt pity for Desmond. He was such a fool. Loving someone is fine, but not when it costs you everything. Once love becomes so unbalanced, it's only a matter of time before it crumbles.

Tanya was lucky. She had Desmond’s love in this life. But she was too greedy, and she lost him.

“I know I’m hateful. But I had no choice. Now that you’ve found your own happiness, please give me a break. Can’t you bring Jace back?” Of course, Tanya’s plea returned to Jace.

“Hasn’t Jace already set you up? You’ve got a place to live, money to spend. Does it really matter if he comes back or not?” I couldn’t understand her desperation.

Tanya pressed her lips together. “Keira, having a house and money isn’t enough for a happy life.”

I understood. She wanted love and happiness, too.

“You sure do ask for a lot,” I retorted sarcastically.

Tanya placed her hand on her belly. “Who doesn’t want a complete, happy life? And now, Desmond’s parents refuse to acknowledge this child. I wanted an abortion, but Jace won’t let me. So, he has to come back. My child needs a father.”

Hearing that, I suddenly thought Jace might be incredibly foolish. He got swept up in Tanya’s allure, and now he was stuck for life. Honestly? He deserved it.

“Keira, I’m begging you to bring Jace back. I know you can reach him,” Tanya insisted.

I wasn’t sure where she got that confidence, but she wasn’t wrong. Jace wasn’t answering anyone’s calls—except mine.

“You think I’m the only one who can reach him? What does that tell you?” I asked, mocking her.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face, but she quickly composed herself. “I know he’s into you, but I don’t care. I just want him around. That’s good enough for me.”