Bad Desire: New Beginnings - Fast Forward

Part 26 - she trusts you

           

Continued...

"She trusts you. That's obviously why she did it." Juliet attempted to make Todd see this as she was seeing it.

He couldn't comprehend how he deserved something like this, but Juliet could fully understand Sophie's mindset in all of this.

"But I screwed her over, so many times."

"Yeah well, when you love someone you somehow see the best in them no matter what."

Todd didn't say anything for a moment and instead continued to glance over the balcony and down at the streets below.

As the evening was pulling in, the air was getting colder. Although the snow had finally disappeared, the air still held that icy and bitterness to it.

"This is your chance to make it up to her. You can prove to her that you can do it, that you're capable of taking this on."

"Don't you think it's a bit too late for that? They're going to turn off her life support, she's not getting through this alive."

Juliet paused for a moment, trying to hold back the natural reaction her body wanted to give. That sickening feeling continued to come forth every time Todd mentioned Sophie and the idea of death. It didn't matter what the doctors had said, Juliet still had some hope that Sophie was going to pull through. However, Todd had taken a very different approach. He'd done what he does best and turned cold to any emotions that he may truly be feeling.

"You can still prove it to her. Take this opportunity and continue to build her business. Don't let it all fall apart. You need to keep her legacy going, no matter what happens."

"Someone else can do that. It should be Felix's job or something. He knows this place like the back of his hand." Todd fort back, clearly not willing to accept his own capabilities.

"You obviously do too, or Sophie wouldn't have put your name down on that will. You know how much this business means to her, she wouldn't just put it into untrustworthy hands. She knows you can do this."

Juliet was desperate for Todd to sign the contract and agree to this. She knew how badly Sophie wanted him to make a better life for himself, so she wanted to ensure that happened. She felt partly responsible for ensuring that he didn't go tumbling back into old habits. He needed to get his life back on track.

After watching Matt almost fall so many times, Juliet knew that Todd was just as capable of getting out of the rut. He was much like his brother without knowing it.

"I can't do it. She is incredible, she's a natural. There are big shoes to fill."

"You won't be doing it alone. She has an amazing team. You know they will help you."

"Why are you doing this?" Todd sighed as he finally turned to look at Juliet. She couldn't tell if he was holding back his aggravation or if his vulnerabilities had really weighed him down. "Why are you trying to help? You're supposed to hate me."

"Why am I supposed to hate you?" Juliet asked, needing clarification on his reasonings. She could easily guess, but it didn't seem right to just assume.

"Because you're married to my worst enemy."

"Your brother, you mean. I'm married to your brother." Juliet corrected with determination in her voice.

She didn't understand why these two men had so much hatred for each other. However, this whole situation had made Juliet realise how important friends and family truly were. It was so easy for them to get ripped from you, so it was so incredibly important to keep those you did have close by.

"We're not brothers." Todd bit, clearly angered at that link being made. "That connection was lost a long time ago."

"Look..." Juliet sighed, knowing if she dragged Matt into this anymore she wasn't going to get anywhere with him. "Sophie wants this for you and you should trust her. You said that you fucked up, so now is your chance to make it up to her. She loves you and I know you love her. So, you owe her this. She's giving you another chance."

"She's not going to be around for much longer, Juliet. Just remember that. We're all going to have to get on our lives and I don't fancy spending the rest of mine being constantly reminded of her and everything that happened. So, if you know someone who is more willing to take this on, then let them know that I'm willing to pass this responsibility onto them. Alright?" Todd bit, throwing the piece of paper at her before charging back inside.

Immediately reaching for the paper before it flew down into the busy streets of the city, Juliet quickly rushed after him. She felt her heart break as she watched him walk away from it all like this. She knew that deep down he was just scared and full of so much guilt. He didn't think he deserved it but whether or not that was true, Sophie believed in him and right now that should have been all that mattered.

"Todd!" Juliet called out before stopping immediately when she noticed who was standing across the room.

They'd captured his attention, as he'd momentarily paused his previous determination to get of here.

to be continued...

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