Chapter 17 ° I looked into his sincere blue eyes , and I knew he was a good man . The kind of man you could trust with your life . But my heart had nothing left to give . My love , my soul , everything I had died the day Mick did . " Prince Alejandro ," I said softly , " I'm sorry . I can't accept your proposal . " \ He paused for a second , surprised , then slowly rose and gently closed the ring box./ He took my hand and brought it to his lips , pressing a light kiss to the back of it . His eyes stayed kind with no anger or disappointment . " It's okay . I understand , " he said with a warm smile . " I respect your decision . But if I may , I'd still like the chance to wait for you . When you've done what you need to do , when you've truly let go of the past , if you're willing then , I'll still be here ." > " Thank you , Your Highness ," I replied sincerely . " You're a true gentleman ." " He smiled once more before stepping away , and the music in the ballroom slowly resumed . Laughter , conversation , and celebration returned . Grandma and Uncle came over , neither of them judging me . Instead , their eyes held nothing but understanding and sympathy " Sadie , " Grandma said , taking my hand gently , " no matter what you choose , we support you . A Middleton woman never needs to rely on a man . Do what your heart tells you . Uncle and I will always have your back . " I smiled at them , then turned and quietly walked to the rooftop garden . I needed air . I needed to breathe on my own . The night breeze brushed over my skin , cool and calming . I leaned against the balcony railing , looking down at the dazzling city lights . But all I could see was Mick's little face in my mind with his bright eyes and his sweet smile . He once said he'd grow up to be a hero , like the prince in a fairytale , so he could protect me , his princess . " Sadie , look at you now . " A voice full of mockery broke the silence behind me . } I didn't need to turn around to know who it was . " What are you doing here ? " I asked coldly . Denton walked up beside me and asked back , " Why'd you turn him down ? " } I turned to face him , a smirk tugging at my lips . " What , do you think it's because I still love you ? " } His face twitched , a flash of pain crossing his eyes . " Come back with me ," he said . " We can put the past behind us ." } " Keep dreaming . " I cut him off without hesitation . " We're over , Denton . If you still insist there's something between us , then it's hatred , pure , unforgiving hatred . " / He stepped forward , reaching for my hand , but I stepped away . " I don't understand ," he muttered . " Why did you change ? You're not like this . " " Not like this ? " I laughed bitterly , the kind of laugh that hurt your chest . " Then tell me , Denton , what should I be like ? Should I kneei before you like a tool , even after you ripped my son's heart out and let that woman torture me until I nearly died ? Should I beg you to love me ? " { \ His face turned pale , but he quickly tried to regain control . " I admit I hurt you . But I'm willing to let it go , the thing with that bastard kid , even what you did to Melanie . We've been together for seven years , doesn't that mean anything ? " " " Seven years ? " I let out a sharp , humorless laugh . " You've lost your damn mind . " I laughed until tears welled in my eyes . " Denton , I'm standing here today so you and Melanie can see exactly what it means to pay the price . " I saw the fear in his eyes . He couldn't believe the words were coming out of my mouth . " " No ! Sadie , wait , just listen- " W But before he could finish , Melanie stormed in , heels clacking against the stone as she rushed toward us in a glittering gown . " Denton ! " she cried , collapsing into his arms . " My stomach , it hurts so bad . " Her face was pale , her eyes filled with panic . " I- I'm scared . Is something wrong with our baby ?! " His body stiffened . He looked between the woman in his arms and me , torn . Then , finally , he wrapped his arms around her . " it's nonna be alright Melania I'm taking you to the hospital right now Hann onl P " It's gonna be alright , Melanie . I'm taking you to the hospital right now . Hang on ! " \ As he turned to leave with her , Melanie glanced back at me , smug and satisfied . I just let out a quiet , amused breath and raised my glass of red wine . " The color of it glinted under the moonlight , blood - red , just like the price they were about to pay .