"Call Philipp," I command, walking to the door.
I have to go to her place immediately. I don't know what to say yet, but it doesn't matter. There's no way I will let her go. Even if it takes years for her to start to believe me again, I will do it. I will prove to her I love her, no matter how cruel she thinks I am.
"Where to, Mr. Harden?" My driver Philipp asks as I get into the car.
I want to tell him Crystal's address, but then I change my mind.
There's one more place I need to visit before going to win her back.
Chapter Sixteen
Crystal
I’ve just gotten out of the shower when I hear the doorbell ring. I rush to get my clothes on to step out of the bathroom and tell Sky not to open the door.
But when I finally put on my bathrobe and walk out, I see Jack Harden is already standing on my doorstep.
"Hi," he says quietly, looking into my eyes and then down at my short bathrobe and bare legs.
"What did I tell you about opening the door to strangers?" I ask Sky irritably, completely ignoring Harden's presence.
"Mom, I'm seventeen, and I know exactly who it is," Sky says, obviously offended that I’m taking my anger out on her.
Jack takes a step closer.
"I didn't invite you in!" I bark, and he freezes in place.
He looks tired, exhausted, I would say. His face is pale and his eyes are red, as if he didn't sleep at all.
That doesn't mean I have to forgive him. I didn't sleep well either.
Because of him.
"I need to talk to you," he says after a pause and takes a look at Sky.
"I'll take a walk," Sky says and rushes to grab her bag.
"You're staying!" I command, looking at her with my most menacing look.
Sky takes a seat next to the kitchen counter again and keeps quiet.
"And you're leaving," I tell Jack, quieter this time. I don't want for him to think that his presence somehow affects my mood.
"Give me five minutes, please," he begs and takes one more step.
"Stay where you are or I'm calling the police!" I yell again, unable to hide my emotions.
I look at Sky, who seems confused at my actions.
I shouldn't yell at my daughter because of Harden. He doesn't deserve it.
"Leave," I say as calmly as I can, and I hear my voice is trembling. "Now."
For a couple of seconds, we simply stare into each other's eyes and don’t move.
My eyes are getting wet, and I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying. It doesn't work, so I look down.
"I love you, Crystal," Jack says, so quietly that I'm not sure I heard it.