Maxwell stood over Jake, his chest heaving with fury. His fists clenched at his sides, still trembling from the rage."Why are you quiet? Say something!" he shouted. "You're mad at her—fine. I don't even care what she did… but regardless of it all, you had no right—none whatsoever—to lay your hands on her. That is a big NO."
Jake looked away, shame flooding his face.
What the hell came over you, Jake?!" Maxwell's voice cracked with disbelief. "I can't believe you'd stoop this low! Where the hell did all that sweetness go? She's your woman, for crying out loud!"Maxwell took a step closer, pointing a trembling finger at his friend.Just pray it's not too late for you. Because honestly, I still can't believe it—you tried to beat her up? You?! Really?"
Jake's throat went dry.
"You dared to raise your hands against the woman who made you who you are today. Don't forget—Jake, you were nothing before her. Nothing. And this… this is how you repay her?"Maxwell's voice grew tight with emotion.
"She fought everyone. Her own family—for you. For years! And what did you do in return? You crushed her. You shattered her heart into a million pieces."Jake closed his eyes. Guilt squeezed his chest like a vice.
"She feels like she's the most worthless person in the entire world… because of you."
"Max…" Jake whispered, his voice hoarse. "Don't say that."I will say it. Because you need to hear it."Jake swallowed hard. "To be sincere… your punches knocked some sense back into me. I don't know what the hell came over me." Maxwell exhaled deeply, the fire in his eyes simmering—but still burning.
Just pray it's not too late. You really hurt her. I couldn't even recognize her when I saw her. Her smile—that was the only thing that gave her away."
He softened.
At least… her dimples are still there. Deeper than ever. And that smile? Still the most beautiful thing a man could ever witness in his lifetime." Jake looked down, fighting back tears. "I'm… I'm so sorry, bro. I'll do whatever it takes to win back her forgiveness."Maxwell stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Jake's shoulder."I knew I could knock some damn sense into you," he said with a half-smile. "Now, get your ass up—we're going. Now."
Jake blinked. "Where to?"
Maxwell rolled his eyes. "To my house. Where else? You're getting your woman back."Jake couldn't hold it in any longer. Emotion surged through him like a wave, and he pulled Maxwell into a tight embrace.
"I missed you, man."
"I missed you too, Jake."
They pulled back with knowing nods.
"Now let's get going."As they headed to the car, Maxwell looked around. "Hey… where are your bodyguards? "They'll follow us," Jake muttered, distracted."Oookay," Max replied, sensing the nerves in Jake's voice.Jake sat in the car with a tight chest. A storm raged inside him. His palms were sweaty, his throat dry. The closer they got, the harder it became to breathe. He had no idea how he would face her. What if she didn't want to see him again?
She had every reason to hate him.
But then… he remembered her smile. That heavenly smile. It was the only thing anchoring him now. That was the light he needed.They arrived.He stepped out of the car like a condemned man walking into court.
Inside, Aurora and Angel sat in the living room, completely engrossed in a light-hearted conversation. Their laughter echoed softly across the room.Jake stopped in the hallway, his heart in his throat.He peered in—and there she was.Aurora.Her smile lit up the room like sunshine. She looked… radiant. Alive.Jake felt a lump rise in his throat. That smile—his smile—was still there.That was all the courage he needed."Hello," Maxwell said, announcing their presence.Aurora, still flipping through a magazine, barely glanced up. "Hey, Maxwell," she said casually, not yet noticing Jake.Angel, however, raised her head—and froze.She saw him.Jake.
Standing there behind Maxwell like a guilty shadow.
She turned sharply to Aurora, then back to the men, her brow quirking. Her eyes screamed What are you doing here? But she said nothing. "Hey, Angel. Why did you go quiet all of a sudden?" Aurora asked with a laugh. "Check out this design. I think I—"
She stopped.With a smile still on her lips, she raised her head… and saw him.Jake.The magazine slipped from her hands.And so did the smile.