Ever since they were kids, Casper and Aaron were inseparable-same schools, same classes, practically joined at the hip. They were so close, they could share anything, even their deepest secrets.

Loyal sidekick? Really?

So, this is how Aaron viewed their bond? Casper was gutted.

"Of course, it's easy for you to say that. The pain always falls on someone else." Aaron abruptly let go of Casper, stumbling back into a wicker chair, his body collapsing like a rag doll. "I've always been second-best to you, but May was my everything... She died because of you too. How am I supposed to move on? I can't."

He didn't even want to argue about it anymore. "Whatever you think, that's on you. My conscience is clear."

"Aaron." Casper had enough. "If May was really your everything, explain this: When you were off with other women, living it up, did you ever think about how that would shatter her heart?"

Aaron froze, his eyes slowly losing their spark. He'd never faced this head-on. Always dodging, always pushing the blame onto Casper.

"If May really was your everything, how could you, after having her, go and be with other women? Aaron, your so-called love is just talk; your actions tell a different story. How can you even talk about love?"

"Yeah, I don't deserve it. I'm just... I just..." Aaron stammered, searching for excuses, but he realized he had none, other than blaming Casper. "Yeah, I don't deserve love. I'm unfaithful; I wasn't devoted. But you can't say I didn't love May."

Was that even love?

Love isn't about dodging guilt, shifting the blame onto others. Using love as a weapon? That's villainous.

"Aaron, if you really loved May, go see her parents. Look at their gray hair, the old house filled with her photos, and their eyes, clouded from

too many tears. Maybe then you'll

understand what real love is

Aaron fell silent. His head dropped,

and he clutched his hair tightly. Casper saw his body trembling uncontrollably, heard the low, muffled sobs. Maybe, just maybe, Aaron would finally get it. Casper hoped he would wake up.

Leaving the Martin family home, Casper got into his car, his face heavy with emotion.

"Mr. Casper," Dillon said, handing him his watch. "Do you think Aaron had a moment of clarity?" Whether Aaron truly got it, Casper couldn't be sure. But this time, the message surely hit home.

May was an only child, and her passing nearly broke her parents. During the years Caroline was abroad, Casper took it upon himself to visit the elderly couple. Honestly, those visits were gut-wrenching, leaving him heartbroken for days.

"Keep an eye on Aaron. He's unstable, no longer himself. If he tries to hurt my wife or kid again, I won't hesitate to send him to May."

That was his line in the sand. Aaron had one last chance-out of respect for their friendship.

"Should we head back to Oak Falls?"NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

"Let's see Ms. Susan first. I've got some things to settle with her."

"Got it."