Cayden POV
I had a sense that she would need me after her visit with her father. I knew that he would not take his daughter's rejection well, and he would try to wear her down with words that only a parent could ruin their child's worth. It was my idea to reject Victor's offer, so whatever pain that he inflicted on Rose, I realized that it would be my fault.
I did not think it through and did not consider the harm it would cause Rose. I was selfish in that regard, selfish, prideful, and fearful. My long-standing rivalry with Victor often clouded my judgment, and now I saw it more clearly than ever. Especially how it could hurt the one I loved more than accepting his offer would have hurt me.
The sight of her teary eyes, the redness around them, but she tried to wipe them away and preten
