Chapter 43

Shanaya stared at her cousin in disbelief, wondering how that stupid thought had entered his mind. Neil’s hands were trembling, his gaze unsteady. He clasped his hands together and sighed loudly. “I hate this,” he said, looking at her.

“I hate that all of this is happening to you… to us, right now,” she began, placing her hand over his. “But you can’t take the credit for it, Neil.”

"But I feel responsible for all of it! Everything seemed okay until I..." Closing his eyes, he shook his head. His face twisted in a way, as if he was trying to hide all the pain he was feeling.

“I’m not blind, Shanaya. I knew he'd be against this decision but I had no clue just how he would protest against this. Last night, he destroyed his room. I’ve never, ever seen him that furious. He called me a traitor. I betrayed him… that’s what he said.” There was a brief pause before Neil continued, “I made him feel all of that rage. And today, he’s in the hospital. Tell me how can I not blame myself?”

Shana