chapter 43

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Scarred Confessions

Jeff adjusted the files in his hands as he walked into the towering office building

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Jeff adjusted the files in his hands as he walked into the towering office building. He still couldn’t wrap his head around the name on the collaboration proposal: Bible. A part of him hoped it was a coincidence, that it was just someone with the same name. But deep down, he knew better. The tension in his chest had only grown since the moment he saw the file.

Now, as he stepped into the sleek conference room, he was greeted by the sight of Bible sitting at the head of the table. His presence was commanding as always, yet there was something different—a hint of weariness beneath his confident demeanor.

"Hey," Bible greeted, his tone neutral but his eyes gave away more than he intended.

"Hi," Jeff replied, keeping his voice steady. He took the seat across from him, forcing himself to focus on the discussion at hand.

The meeting began, and for the next hour, they discussed business terms, plans, and logistics. Bible was professional, sharp, and meticulous. But Jeff couldn’t ignore the way Bible’s gaze lingered on him whenever he wasn’t looking. It was as if Bible was silently trying to say something he couldn’t voice aloud.

Finally, the meeting concluded, and the other team members began to file out. Jeff stood to leave, but Bible’s voice stopped him.

"Jeff, could you stay for a moment?" Bible’s tone was casual, but the weight behind it was impossible to miss.

Jeff hesitated, his instincts telling him to leave. But curiosity and unresolved emotions rooted him to the spot. "Alright."

When the door closed behind the last person, the air in the room shifted. Bible leaned back in his chair, studying Jeff intently. His calm exterior cracked, revealing a vulnerability Jeff hadn’t seen in years.

Jeff asked, crossing his arms. "What do you want from me?"

Bible didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, exposing a fresh bandage on his wrist. Jeff’s breath hitched.

"What happened to your wrist?" Jeff demanded, his voice tinged with alarm.

Bible let out a bitter laugh. "A cut for my love," he said simply, his gaze locked on Jeff.

Jeff’s heart clenched painfully. "Stop with the dramatics, Bible. Just say what you need to say."

Bible stood abruptly, closing the distance between them in a few purposeful steps. His voice dropped to a low murmur. "Do you know why I came back into your life, Jeff? Do you really understand why?"

Jeff stiffened but held his ground. "You used me. You twisted everything we had to settle some grudge against my family. Isn’t that it?"

Bible’s jaw tightened. "It started that way. Yes, I wanted revenge. Your father destroyed mine. He cheated my family, ruined our business, and when the debts piled up—" Bible’s voice cracked slightly before he steadied himself. "They ended their lives, Jeff. I lost everything."

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