Chapter 9 We returned from our trip two months later . [] During those two months , Dex and I had visited nearly every corner of the world we'd dreamed of seeing . Dex was an excellent travel companion - thoughtful and considerate , always arranging everything before I even noticed what was needed . I had almost completely forgotten all the domestic drama , including Kieran , including Mara , including that farcical wedding , It wasn't until the plane smoothly landed in the familiar city that I realized we were back . [ ] I was holding onto Dex's arm , laughing as we discussed which restaurant to go to for dinner . In the distance , a figure suddenly crashed into my line of sight . [ ] Kieran . He saw me too , paused in his steps , then rushed toward me like a madman . [ ] " Riley ! " Kieran's voice was terribly hoarse , carrying a kind of desperate madness . [ ] He grabbed my shoulders , with such force it felt like he might crush my bones . " Riley , I was wrong , I was so wrong ! " His eyes were bloodshot , his emotions agitated , his voice trembling . [] " Only after leaving you did I realize how much I love you ! I can't live without you ! " [ ] " Kieran , let go ! " Dex's voice turned cold as he reached to pry off Kieran's fingers . ] ] But Kieran acted as if he hadn't heard , still gripping me tightly . [ ] " Everything before was staged by Mara ! She deceived me , she deceived everyone ! " ] " She arranged the shooting , she planned the disappearance ! She's nothing but a liar ! " " I was really wrong , Riley . Let's get back together, okay ? Come back to me , please ! " [ ] Dex shoved Kieran away ; " Stay away from my fiancée ! " ] Kieran seemed stung by Dex's words . He jerked his head up , hus bloodshot eyes glaring at Dex . [ ] " This is between Riley and ine - it has nothing to do with your " he roared , his voice distorting with emotion . [ ] " What are you ? What gives you the right to interfere ? " {} " Dex , Riley loves met he's just temporarily deceived by your Jie turned to ane . Jus tone becoming pleading " Riley , tell you still have feelings for me , don't you ? " ! Chapter 9 ' You're just angry with me , angry that I didn't believe you , angry that I chose Mara , right ? " ' I understand everything now - it was all Mara's fault ! I'll make it up to you , I'll do anything to make amends ! " [ ] " Kieran . " I finally spoke , my voice as calm as still water . ] " You're wrong . " ] ' Your mistake is that even now , you're still blaming everything on others . " [ ] ' Mara was certainly wrong , but the person who chose to believe her and give up on me was you . " [ ] ' Your so - called love is too selfish and too cheap . " He opened his mouth , wanting to say something , but no sound came out . ] Riley … " He struggled to say my name , his voice impossibly hoarse . [ ] I shook my head gently , a faint , almost cruel smile playing at my lips . ] " Kieran , " I paused , speaking each word slowly and clearly . [ ] " I stopped loving you long ago . " ] Kieran seemed to have all the strength drained from his body , slumping against the pillar behind him . [] The light in his eyes was completely extinguished , leaving only endless despair and emptiness . " No … impossible … " he murmured , as if unable to accept this cruel truth . [ ] " Kiley , give me one more chance , okay ? Just one … " His voice carried a sob , humble to the point of dust . Dex squeezed my hand tighter and stepped forward , completely shielding me behind him . [ ] " Kieran , I think Riley's meaning is quite clear . " ] I squeezed his hand back and looked at Kieran : " Absolutely impossible , Kieran . You were reborn too , weren't you ? If you remember what happened in our past life , you know I could never forgive you . " [ ] Kieran's tall frame swayed , falling into complete despair . [ ] He looked at me deeply , as if trying to etch me into his heart , then turned and lef . ] ] After he was gone . Tooked at Dex and smiled softly . Kieran's appearance hadn't affected us at all . [ ] I said : " Let's go to that restaurant you mentioned earlier ! " Dex stroked my hand with a gentle smile : " Alright . " ]