Charlene hugged Brendan tightly and wept silently. He rubbed her back soothingly.

His eyes were nonchalant and cold.

“You’re only going through this because of me, aren’t you? With that in mind, how could I possibly sit on my hands while you go out there like that? Especially when the public is at its most merciless? If you go down there and explain it that way, your life will be lost forever.”

Charlene sniffled as a twinkle of glee flitted through her eyes. It was just as she had suspected! Brendan would not leave her the moment she shed some tears.

“But what are we going to do now? Your reputation… your name… they’re all ruined because of me! I don’t even dare return to the villa, Bren. I don’t know how to stand before Miss McKinnon and listen to her mocking me! I can’t bear it! The guilt… The agony…”

“It’s not your fault.” Brendan comforted her. “It will pass.”

Not that the journey to letting the entire event go would be easy.

While they were locked in a comforting cuddle, B