For specific reasons, I kept both Rose and Kylie by my side as the weeks went on. I couldn't repay them enough for what they'd done and I'd learned to bury my pride for a bit. 

I didn't bother returning to the frat, and neither did they for that matter.

It seemed the more we hung around people that clearly didn't care much for our well being, trouble trailed closely behind.

"I'm not sure what to do." Kylie had said. "I've always wanted to leave their circle, but they were always with me when I was alone." 

Rose's response, however, was much more simple. 

"I'd only wanted to meet you. Now that I have, I'm more than happy to leave." 

I'd tried to convince Kylie that it would all get easier, but to avail. I knew we wouldn't be cozy with each other in a matter of days, though she did insist on hanging around. 

My worries about her and Hero came knocking every once in awhile, but they vanished when I remembered what she'd done for me. 

When Hero was around, she excused herself, back to the fraternity. It made him uncomfortable, but he threw away his grudges for my benefit. 

"I'm not saying I like it," he'd grumbled, "but I suppose I'll have to put up with it. Happy wife and happy life kind of thing..."

Ever since I'd given him my ultimatum, something within him changed overnight it seemed.

The fights (besides the slight bickering) had come to a halt and he was more helpful than usual. 

He helped push the wedding forward despite all that was still going on. Rumors about the Tiffin enterprise had made it's way to the news outlets and Dorinda was summoned to more and more interviews along with her husband.

Though Chester was exceedingly more put-together, Dorinda appeared more fragile, stuttering over her simple words.

The rumors were that the company was unable to handle their employees pay roll. 

"It's fucking ridiculous." Hero stated taking me by surprise. "In all my life, their work was always more important. They wouldn't allow one small thing to create such an embarrassment."

While finishing the wedding arrangements, I made sure to make daily appearances at the prison. I didn't bother myself with visiting my captors, but I did want to make it known I wasn't keen on them making bail. 

It made me smile when the cops made it clear that under no circumstances would they get bail. That they would be under life imprisonment.

One cloudy afternoon in March, Hero sat me down on our bed, initiating conversation. 

"I know I've been a real dick." He said. "I don't know how you put up with it." 

"This may just be the sex magic talking," I joked, "but I think the universe made sure to bring us together. Lord knows I'm the only woman that can put up with your bullshit." 

He snorted. 

"I never thought about it that way." 

I smirked. 

"It's like all the bullshit you put up with having to do with me. Speaking of which... I'm going to bring up something you won't like." 

Hero rolled eyes. 

"Please don't tell me you've made another set of tuna sandwiches." 

I laughed.

"No, not at all. It's just that several things have changed in the passing months. You said you weren't interested in marriage, yet we're scheduled for a ceremony. I can't help wondering if..." 

He raised an eyebrow at my trailing off. 

"What?" 

I cleared my throat, almost choking on saliva. 

"Will children ever be an option-?" 

I would have thought the roof had blown off with the rage emanating from his tense body.
 
"Not this tirade again-" 

"It's not a tirade," I quickly defended, "its more of a suggestion. This doesn't need to be a deal, babe. What do you think our options will be if we miss on yearly implants?"

Hero glared at this. 

"Are you threatening to pull it out early?" He growled. 

Wow. He was pulling this way out of proportion. 

"Oh my god, no! I know how you view all this... children aren't a disgrace!"

He jumped to his feet. 

"You think that's how I see all this? No! Haven't you been to any of our therapy sessions? Parenting is not something I can do. I'm sorry I can't be like Brian down the street and promise you the life you need-"

I took a deep, ragged breath.

"I know you'd make an excellent father, Hero. Is this... are you saying these things because you're afraid your son would meet a Diedre-?"

"ENOUGH!" 

Hero's strong voice ripped through the air like a cannon. He was bristling with anger, his chest rising and falling.

"I can't do this," he finished in a weak tone, making his way for our door, "it's bullshit," 

As he pushed his way over the threshold, I saw Kylie's face materialize, looking worried. 

"Am I interrupting something?" She asked. 

"No," I replied. "You couldn't have come at a better time."

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter ❤❤

Don't wanna spoil much but there will be much more heartbreak in book 3

Please comment and vote 👌👌