Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1738

The warm, soft weight in his arms vanished, instantly replaced by the biting cold air. Steve stared at his empty hands and let out a long, heavy sigh. He did not get up, remaining slumped back against the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling. "I know," he replied, his voice barely a whisper, yet laden with unspeakable sorrow. After a long moment, he planted his hands on the cushions and slowly pushed himself up into a seated position. Slouching his tall frame, he lifted his head, fixing his bloodshot eyes intently upon her. "Sylvia, can you just give me one chance? Even if it is just a chance to be friends. Please?" His tone was thoroughly defeated, practically begging from the dirt.

Her emotions churning violently, Sylvia lowered her gaze. "This is not you."

Steve let out a desolate laugh at that. "Then what is me?"

Sylvia looked up, meeting his eyes head-on. "You are supposed to look down on me. You are supposed to despise me, tear me down, mock me, and hate me to the core. That is how the great Mr. Michell is supposed to act."

The smile on Steve's face completely vanished. The next second, he raised his right hand and violently slapped himself across the face. The blow was shockingly hard. It echoed sharply through the room, and the red outline of his fingers immediately began to swell on his cheek. "I was an absolute monster back then!" he snarled, cursing himself through gritted teeth.

Terrified by his outburst, Sylvia shrank back, her fists clenching at her sides. "Are you insane? You really do not need to do this!"

Steve lifted his head to look at her again. "Then tell me what to do to make you believe I have actually changed. I just want to treat you well. I just want to be by your side." He desperately wanted to help heal her psychological wounds, to soothe away every bit of pain she had endured, and to give her a lifetime of peace and stability. But he did not dare voice those desires aloud, terrified he would frighten her away or make her think he was simply offering pity.

Looking at his red-rimmed eyes, Sylvia shook her head weakly. "Maybe you truly have changed, but we are not meant to be. We never will be."

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