Furthermore, their relationship had consistently brought pain and harm to both of them. Wasn't that a clear sign it wasn't right?

Perhaps, then, taking this chance to completely cut their ties was the best course of action for both him and her.

Raegan could not afford to be reckless like Mitchel. About to be a mother to three, she had to safeguard her own life and be responsible for her children. And Mitchel, with significant responsibilities of his own, could not continue to endanger himself for her sake.

Raegan convinced herself that their being together was a mistake, one that needed to end here. In this lifetime, perhaps, they were destined to be apart..

Mitchel sank into deep silence, his face as pale as paper. It felt as though a vast void had been carved from his heart.

Mitchel resonated deeply with the agony Raegan once weathered.

It seemed fate reveled in its capricious games. Deeds of helplessness, words devoid of sincerity, never did Mitchel anticipate they'd wound Raegan so deeply.

“So, whether you agree with me or not, it doesn't bother me, and it doesn't hold me back," Raegan declared, steeling herself to unleash the bitterest truths as she turned her gaze away from him.

With resolve, she swung open the car door, hoisted her dress, and stepped out.

Yet, her bridal gown bore a stain of Mitchel's blood, a foreboding sign. Even for a sham wedding, wearing it was out of the question, it would not only embarrass Stefan, but it might also earn Stefan a reprimand from his father.

Raegan hastened her track, trying to change into a spare outfit in time before making her appearance.

Behind her, Mitchel pursued, oblivious to the pain in his wake as he exited the vehicle, his injured knee forgotten. With a resounding thud, he collapsed to the ground.

The ground lay strewn with haphazard cobblestones. Mitchel's knee, still in the mending process, collided with the uneven surface, eliciting an audible crack.

The torment of fractured bones rivaled that inflicted by Lorenzo's crushing grip. His countenance, as pallid as parchment, dripped with sweat from brow to earth.

“Raegan..." His voice was hoarse, each word a painful exhale, “What can I do to earn your forgiveness?"

“Raegan, I'm not sure what's best for you anymore. I admit I was wrong, and I've made mistakes in everything I've done. Please, tell me what I can do. I don't want you to leave me or marry someone else."

At his words, Raegan dared not cast a glance backward. She gnawed at her lip, her eyes wide, refusing to blink. She dreaded that a blink would unleash a deluge of tears, cascading like a torrent.

To turn now would reveal Mitchel's once-handsome countenance, now twisted in anguish, barely recognizable.

Raegan had gleaned tidbits of Mitchel's condition solely through Erick.

Erick abstained from discussing Mitchel. Since Raegan had declared to sever ties with Mitchel, it was best not to relay any updates about him.