He knew. Yes, he goddamn knew he was hurting her, but he also knew—-
He had to do this.
Because...she hadn’t broken the way he had.
“I’m sorry,” he repeated doggedly. And this time, Marcus held on to her gaze despite knowing he was acting even worse – even more despicably selfish than his father. “I made a mistake. I’m sorry. So can we talk? Please?” He was choking and babbling like a goddamn kid, an idiot, but he didn’t give a damn. He only knew he had to keep her from leaving.
Anneke was staring at him in painful confusion. “I d-don’t understand.”
“Then stay,” he said fiercely, “and let me explain.” He reached for her—-
But she stumbled back so quickly it was as if his touch would destroy her, and fear clawed at his heart.
Please let it not be too late.
“Stop messing with me.” Anneke’s words spilled out in a jerky, tear-clogged tone, and the sound had fear turning into terror inside of him.
Please let it not be too late.
Marcus tried reaching for her again, but this time it was Jaak who shoved him off. “You’ve made her cry enough, Ravelli.” Turning away, the Dutch billionaire motioned for his security team to take his sister to his car. He didn’t give a damn if he was interfering – he’d had enough of seeing this man destroy his baby girl, over and over.
“Mind your own fucking business, de Konigh.” Marcus shoved past Jaak and tried reaching for Anneke again, but her brother once again blocked his way.
Behind Jaak, he saw Anneke turn to look at him—-
She was looking at him as if it was the last time she would see him again.
And her lips moved ever so slowly.
Goodbye.
No. No. No.
And Marcus snapped.
He threw a punch at Jaak, taking the other man by surprise, and as Jaak staggered back a step, Marcus charged past him to reach for Anneke.
His fingers grazed her back.
“Anne—-”
But she didn’t even look at him.
Jaak came back at Marcus, shoving him away, but even so he tried going after her, shouting her name.
“Anneke!”
She stepped inside the car without looking back.
“Get her out of here,” Jaak roared.
And it was all over.
No. No. Oh, fuck no—-
Even knowing it was impossible, he ran after the car, shouting her name over and over.“Please, Anneke, please, Anneke, please.”
The car picked up speed.