Chapter 3

I cried like a child, completely losing my grip.

Lily placed her tray on the bench and sat beside me, gently patting my shoulder.

"Let it out, Logan. You don't have to be strong right now."

"I checked her chart. Samantha is fine. Just some mild smoke inhalation. She'll be discharged tomorrow after a quick checkup. But that guy..."

"He has some minor burns on his legs. They're keeping him for another day."

"Logan... what are you going to do?"

I shook my head in utter despair. My mind drifted back to the past.

I remembered the day we stood at the altar. Our vows echoed in my ears like they were spoken yesterday. I had been so full of hope.

Samantha and I had a whirlwind romance, but her parents disapproved of us from the start.

I was an orphan. I had no family, and my job as a firefighter was dangerous and demanding.

Samantha was a girl who wanted to be pampered and showered with romantic gestures.

My life was rough. I spent my days surrounded by gruff men and burning buildings. My hands were calloused, and my life was simple.

Her parents told her flat out that I couldn’t give her the dream lifestyle she wanted.

I almost walked away back then, but Samantha fought for us.

When her parents tried to set her up with rich ivy-league guys, she screamed:

"No! I love Logan! Why are you doing this to me?"

"He's the only one I'll ever marry!"

At that moment, I swore to myself I would spend the rest of my life making her happy.

On the day I finally proposed, Samantha looked into my eyes and said:

"Everyone says I'm being childish, but I know what I want. I want to spend forever with you."

"I don't know how long forever is, but I want you to come home safe from every shift."

"I'll always be waiting at home to give you a big hug."

Those memories used to be my sanctuary. Now, they were poison.

The numbness wore off, and the cut on my wrist began to throb with intense pain.

"Lily, you know..." I whispered, my voice cracking. "When I was just a rookie making pennies, I had no idea what the future held."

"But Samantha told me I was her future."

"When I kicked that door open tonight, I expected a lot of things. But not her."

"They were naked, Lily. And she was screaming his name. It hurts so bad..."

Lily wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"Logan, you're an amazing guy. Maybe... maybe it's a misunderstanding?"

"Think about it. She’s loved you for years. Maybe there’s an explanation."

"But no matter what you decide, Mason and I have your back."

I was an orphan. Samantha had given me my very first home.

We had loved each other so deeply.

I decided to give her one last chance. I would do it for the brave girl who had fought her family for me.

Just one chance. If she came clean and begged for forgiveness, I would pretend this night never happened.

Please, Samantha. Don't make me regret this.