Chapter 226

Bruce wished Joanna would ask him to stay, but her cold demeanor made it clear she wouldn't. Their emotional distance was insurmountable. Frowning, Bruce panicked and left, returning to his car to head back to the Everett mansion. His phone rang; it was Roxanne. He only occasionally answered her calls.

"Hello," Bruce answered coolly.

Roxanne, surprised he'd answered, sounded flattered. "Bruce!"

"What is it?"

Roxanne's voice was gentle. "I haven't seen you in a long time. I miss you!"

Bruce remained silent. He wanted no emotional exchange with Roxanne. She'd insisted on having the baby; let her deal with it. He'd pay child support, but that was it; he'd invest no feelings. With his grandmother gone, he felt free from pressure.

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up," he said.

"Bruce, we haven't seen each other for so long. I want to see you. Can you come keep me company tonight?" Roxanne pleaded. Bruce felt disgusted. "I've been busy recently. I'll see you when I'm free," he said coldly, truly wanting no further contact. Roxanne's manipulative and cunning artificial insemination plan disgusted him.

"Bruce, when are you free? If you can't visit, can I—" Before Roxanne finished, Bruce hung up. She called twice more, only to hear a busy signal. Tears welled up; Bruce was increasingly distant, especially since Margaret's death. She regretted her actions. Her plan to frame Joanna and separate her from Bruce had backfired; she'd lost more than she'd gained. The emptiness of her luxurious $200 million home pressed down on her. Despite her wealth, she craved emotional connection. Bruce's coldness left her feeling empty and lonely. Lying awake, Roxanne found herself uncontrollably missing Gavin, his attentiveness, and the happiness they'd once shared. However, she didn't dare contact him.

At eleven o'clock, unable to sleep, she dialed Gavin's number. The call connected.

"Hello," Gavin's voice answered.

Roxanne's heart leaped, and she quickly hung up, her cheeks burning. While she enjoyed the feeling Gavin gave her, she also despised his weakness and incompetence. He only fulfilled her needs in one area. Ironically, the forbidden nature of their potential reunion made her want him more.

Gavin called back. The phone rang insistently. Roxanne hesitated, unwilling to answer. Her pregnancy with Bruce's child, the potential complications, and the social scandal if her contact with Gavin became public, all held her back.

Seeing no answer, Gavin texted: "Roxy, is that you? I miss you. I love you. I'm really sorry! I don't dare hope for forgiveness, only that you're well. I'm incompetent. I wish I could die for what happened. Roxy, be happy. If it means your happiness, I'd give my life. I know I can't give you anything. If you need it, I'll give my life anytime"

Roxanne cried reading his passionate, sincere, and guilt-ridden messages. She wished Bruce felt such devotion. Reality, however, was cruel; a man like Bruce couldn't love as humbly as Gavin. Each text message revealed Gavin's genuine remorse.

SEND GIFT