Chapter 9 Harlan had just opened his mouth to respond when Callum interrupted him . " Never mind , " he said after a pause , a rare trace of hesitation in his voice . " Let her rest . Too much has happened these past few days . " He sighed and ended the call . The next morning , Estelle awoke in Callum's arms , her face glowing with contentment as if she'd just had the most beautiful dream . Bathed in the morning light and his seemingly gentle gaze , she whispered , " Callum , I love you . I've made up my mind . I'm ready . I agree to truly be with you . " Callum remained silent . Mistaking his silence for tacit agreement , Estelle's smile deepened . She wrapped her arms around his neck , leaning in for a kiss- Only for him to suddenly grow cold , eyes sharp with a ruthless edge . " Who told you , " he said , voice dangerously low , " that I wanted to be with you ? " Estelle froze , her expression collapsing in real time . Her voice trembled . " But … Callum , we're already married . You said you didn't despise me anymore . Doesn't that mean- ? " A bitter chuckle escaped his lips as he pushed her off his chest . " Estelle , just because I said I don't despise you doesn't mean you can replace Evelyn . You think you can step into her place as Mrs. Rivers ? That's delusional . " He stood and looked down at her . " I was relieved when you came back alive . I tried to make it up to you because of everything you went through . But you're not Evelyn . You never will be . She's the only Mrs. Rivers in my heart . " Estelle sat there , stunned . Her breath caught in her throat . Then , as if desperate to win him back , she bit her lip , pulled down the strap of her silk nightgown , and exposed the soft curves of her chest . t ? " " You loved me once , Callum . Look at me , have you forgotten our past ? She climbed onto his lap , unbuttoning his shirt , trying to close the distance between them . Then her eyes lit up as she pointed to a fresh tattoo on his collarbone . " See ? I knew it . You still love me . You got my initial inked right here - ' E , ' for Estelle . " Callum's fingers hovered over the crimson ink . A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes .