Page 12 of Medical Malpractice

“Because they weren’t you.”

He wasn’t embellishing. I could hear the genuineness in his tone and the straightforward approach of his delivery. He was talking as if he weren’t professing an affliction that had tortured him for nearly twenty years. And that made me sad.

“Is that why you had those girls?”

He faltered for the first time that night, his tone dripping in humiliation. “I never meant for you to find out, Ella. And I’d hate to make you uncomfortable—”

“I don’t feel uncomfortable.” Because I don’t feel anything. I’m dead inside.

Leonardo sighed before powering on. “Yes. I chose those women because they had similar features to you. I knew I’d never have you in this lifetime, not just physically, but in any romantic capacity. So, I settled for the fantasy. Fuck, now that I’m saying this out loud, it sounds disgusting.”

He shifted further away on the bed. The move was minute, but held the implication of a wide, gaping chasm. “I’m so sorry I objectified you like that, Ella. I have no excuse, and I’m ashamed of myself. It should have never happened.”

“Don’t be sorry. Yeah, it’s kind of weird, but I appreciate your honesty. I would like to be honest in return. Is that okay?”

“Of course.”

“I… Although I loved you once, that was a long time ago. When I gave up on the thought of us, I fully shut that door. I wanted to commit to Nico in all ways, and I did that when I chose him as my life partner. I’m telling you this because I don’t want to give you hope when there is none—”

“Shit, Ella. Is that what you think of me? I would never force myself on you or expect anything to come out of this. First and foremost, I am your friend. And will remain so for as long as you’ll have me. Darling, let me be clear. There are no expectations. Ever. I will be here for you in whatever way you need me.”

I hadn’t realised a full torrent of water was leaking from my eyes. “Can I—Can I hold your hand, Leo?”

He didn’t even reply, simply reaching out and intertwining his fingers with mine. It was our only form of contact, but with that singular touch, he managed to tether me back to earth—a solid anchor that stopped me from completely floating away.

My speech stumbled as I choked on a sob. “I’m sorry for what he stole, Leo. I’m sorry we didn’t get our chance.”

“I’m sorry too.”

“We would have been great together, you know. I would have loved you truly, openly, passionately. We would have had the cutest babies, our lives filled with joy and happiness. I would have given you all of me.”

“I know, Ella. I know.”

Then I crumbled.

For me. For him. For all we had lost.

I was broken.

Chapter 6

LEONARDO

I didn’t have time to process my tumultuous feelings as I poured all my energy into the slumbering woman beside me. My troubles were nothing compared to hers.

Beams of daybreak peeked through the curtains, coating Gabriella in a soft, golden halo. She had finally succumbed to sleep an hour before, her mind unable to rest until her body gave in to exhaustion.

I had no such solace.

A never-ending rage continued to rise, simmering beneath my skin like a living entity. I was in disbelief at the extent of Nico’s deceit.

How could someone I’d known and loved for more than twenty years treat me—us—like sacrificial pawns to use and abuse as he pleased?

A vibrant ribbon of pain sparked in my chest every time I thought of what he had stolen from Gabriella as the consequences were inconceivable. He had ripped away precious years with a precision so brutal and cruel, it would leave long-lasting scars.

I couldn’t fathom his reasoning. He had so methodically destroyed her with such evil intent that I had to question his entire character and him as a person.

But the worst regret of all? It could have been me. I would have given Gabriella everything she desired. No matter how unreasonable or minuscule, anything she asked would have been hers. Including the beautiful kids she desperately sought.