His love

“Willow!” Matthew’s head jerked up. His eyes blazed with a terrifying red–an unsettling mix of anger, hatred, and maybe even regret. 

Willow, unfazed by his almost predatory fury, repeated her demand, “Matthew, apologize to Aaron!” 

Matthew, too proud to ever consider apologizing to someone he deemed insignificant, hesitated. But then his eyes dropped to Willow’s left hand. Her hand was wrapped in thick bandages, yet even through the layers, blood had seeped through, staining her skin. 

The bandages mostly covered the back of her hand. But as he looked closer, he noticed she was missing a finger. Even though the scab where her pinky had once been had healed, the scar couldn’t hide the pain 

she’d endured. 

And all of this–every bit of her suffering–was his doing. All at once, Matthew felt a wave of weakness 

wash over him, his legs trembling beneath the weight of his doubts. 

He had been so certain, so adamant in his belief that Willow was a tainted woman. But now, faced with 

the truth, he realized she had always been innocent and unjustly accused. 

“Mr. Mayer, apologize to Aaron!” lan’s voice boomed with authority. His anger was fueled by the damning 

evidence of Matthew’s intentions to harm Aaron. 

As lan watched the video, his fury grew. He was unable to comprehend how someone could be so easily manipulated by a woman with such malicious intent.. 

Matthew’s guilt weighed heavy on him, but seeing Willow seemingly manipulate lan into defending her ignited a fit of fierce anger. His remorse transformed into a burning fury. 

“Willow, you think I’m gonna apologize to this cripple?” Matthew’s sneer dripped with cruelty. “In your 

dreams!” 

“Willa’s the woman I love most. Even if she set you and this cripple up, you had it coming!” 

“Yeah, we had it coming!” Willow’s voice dripped with sarcasm. Matthew’s blind loyalty to Willa shook her to the core, but she wasn’t about to back down now. 

Many might think an apology was just a formality, not worth the hassle, but Willow knew how crucial 

Matthew was to Aaron. 

His misunderstandings and hurtful words were like daggers to Aaron’s heart. Only a genuine apology from Matthew could begin to mend those wounds and ease Aaron’s suffering. 

“Mr. Mayer, you’re standing by your woman. She framed us, and you even wanted to gouge my son’s eyes out. According to you, we deserved it.” 

Willow’s voice remained steady, though tension crackled in the air. “I won’t argue with you on that point. But here’s something else you should know. 

“If you don’t apologize to Aaron, I’ll post this video online. Let’s see how your beloved Wilhelmina, who 

treasures her image so dearly, likes being exposed as a hypocrite and a malicious woman.” 

“Willow, you wouldn’t dare!” Matthew’s voice was a snarl as he reached for the USB drive on the laptop 

But Willow remained unfazed by his threat, her chin held high with unwavering pride. “Mr. Mayer, I’m not easily scared. 

“You can try me. Oh, and by the way, you can destroy this USB if you want. I have backups.” 

Matthew seethed with rage, but he couldn’t let Wilhelmina’s reputation be tarnished. She had been hist rock during his darkest times. 

After shooting Willow a venomous glare, Matthew’s gaze settled on Aaron. “Hey, crip–Aaron, I apologize. I wrongfully accused you this time.” 

Even in his apology, Matthew’s arrogance persisted. But for now, those words would have to suffice.