I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 428

Xander repeated the words like a mantra, his heart swelling with the overwhelming relief of finally getting her back. His pulse hammered so heavily against his ribs it felt as though it might burst right out of his chest.

Wrapped securely in his embrace, Nora began to tremble uncontrollably. The icy armor she had meticulously maintained against Finnegan shattered entirely the moment she breathed in the familiar, comforting scent of pine on Xander's skin.

She clutched fiercely at the fabric on his back and buried her face deep into the crook of his neck. Silent tears spilled over her lashes as a choked sob escaped her throat. "I knew you would come. I knew you would find me."

A sharp pang of heartache seized Xander's chest, and he tightened his hold on her, pressing a deep kiss to the crown of her head. Slowly, he lifted his gaze and turned to look at Finnegan. The warmth vanished from his eyes, replaced by an absolute, glacial fury.

His expression was terrifyingly serene. Without uttering a single syllable, he scooped Nora up into his arms and turned to leave.

As he reached the doorway, his voice sliced through the air like a blade.

"What happened today isn't going to be settled with just one punch, Finnegan. Once I get her home safely, I'll be back to settle our score properly."

Finnegan stumbled upright, letting out a bitter, mocking laugh. "Perfect. There are a few scores I've been meaning to settle with you, too."

Xander didn't spare him a second glance as he carried Nora out of the villa.

Leaning heavily against the wall, Finnegan listened as their footsteps faded into the distance. A deathly silence quickly swallowed the entire house.

Slowly, he slid down the wall and buried his face in his hands. His shoulders shook violently for a moment before he curled in on himself completely.

Only now did the true weight of regret crush him. But the realization had come far too late.

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