Chapter 8 — The Man Who Begged
Two weeks later, Adrian came to Mara’s hospital room.
Not as a husband.
Not as a powerful businessman.
Just as a desperate man who had lost control.
The security guard almost stopped him.
Almost.
But Mara allowed him inside.
She wanted to see what remained of the person who had hurt her.
Adrian looked exhausted.
His expensive suit was wrinkled.
His confidence was gone.
“Mara.”
She continued reading the report in her hands.
“What do you want?”
He swallowed.
“I made mistakes.”
She didn’t respond.
“I know I hurt you.”
Still nothing.
“I know I wasn’t the husband you deserved.”
Mara slowly looked up.
“That’s what you came here to say?”
Adrian stepped closer.
“I want another chance.”
For a moment, she almost felt something.
Not love.
Not forgiveness.
Something closer to sadness.
Because she remembered the man he used to be.
The man who held her hand when they had nothing.
The man who promised they would build a future together.
But that man was gone.
“You don’t want another chance, Adrian.”
His expression changed.
“You want another opportunity.”
He looked away.
Because she was right.
“You miss the money.”
Silence.
“You miss the influence.”
Silence.
“You miss being feared.”
His jaw tightened.
Mara placed a hand over her stomach.
“My children will grow up knowing their mother protected them.”
She looked directly at him.
“They will never know the fear I lived with.”
Adrian’s eyes filled with anger.
The old Adrian was returning.
“You think you won?”
Mara’s voice stayed calm.
“No.”
A pause.
May you like
“I think I survived.”
And somehow, that hurt him more than losing billions.
