Letting Him Go (Revised) completed

Chapter 8

*Chapter 8*

*Matthew*

I didn't know how to keep my word to Alli and Nick, but I knew I would do everything possible to let them be happy.

Nick was right; if I hadn't chosen Mandy, I wouldn't be in this mess. All I could think about back then was that I couldn't abandon her. I gave up my mate to do the right thing. I was not going to let my sacrifice be in vain.

I did love Mandy, and hurting her was the last thing I wanted to do. I had still failed in that regard. I had heard her cry countless times, and I had been helpless to ease her pain. Nothing I could say would make it better for her.

It had been several days since Mandy's false labor, and things between us were strained at best. I closed my eyes, wishing that all of this wasn't real and that I was dreaming. I knew what I needed to do, but my heart constricted painfully at the thought of rejecting Alli.

Walking to the car, I knew that I needed to stop being selfish and be the husband I had promised her I would be. Our baby would be here soon, and I didn't want our daughter to feel that tension between us. I wanted her to feel loved and wanted, and I would do anything to make that happen and keep the promises I had made her at the altar. I looked at the ring on my finger, symbolizing our love and dedication to each other, and I frowned, knowing that I had let her down more than I cared to admit. It was time to face the consequences of the choices I had made up until now. I took my phone from my pocket and dialed her number, knowing that this would be the last time I looked at her, and my heart hurt.

"Please meet me at the park by your house; after this, you won't have to see me again," I said before hanging up.

My phone ringing pulled me out of my thoughts, and I answered quickly.

"The doctor is admitting me. Our daughter is finally ready to make her grand entrance," Mandy said, emotion in her voice.

My body filled with both joy and sadness at the news. My daughter would be here soon, and I couldn't wait to meet her. Who would she look like? How little would she be? Would she have Mandy's red hair? All these thoughts swirled in my mind as I approached the car.

"I have something to take care of real quick, and then I will head to the hospital," I said, eyes filling with tears.

"Okay, don't forget my bag from the car," she said as she hung up.

I drove silently, dread filling my body the closer I got to the park. This would be challenging, but I was determined to do the right thing for all of us, no matter how much it broke me.

*Alli*

I pulled up to the park and immediately saw Matthew standing outside his car, his eyes on the sky.

I got out quickly and made my way over to him.

"I'm here," I said, but he kept his gaze on the sky.

"I know," he answered.

"I felt it the moment you arrived."

"Oh," I said, looking away from him.

I closed my eyes, trying to control all the emotions inside me.

He looked tired, restless, and more worn than I had ever seen him.

"Matthew," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

His eyes snapped to mine, and I sucked in a startled breath at the way he was looking at me.

"Alli," he said, like It hurt to speak my name.

"I'm sorry." He said, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Do you hate me?"

"Yes," I growled.