“Come in,” came Colleen’s voice, soft yet clear.

Brady eased the door open and stepped inside, his heart pounding.

“Brady,” Colleen said, rising from her seat, her voice trembling with emotion. The moment their eyes met, a sheen of tears glistened in hers, betraying her composure.

Brady hurried to her side, his gaze sweeping over her with concern.

“Colleen,” he said gently, studying her.

“You seem… frailer. Have you been taking care of yourself?”

Frail? The word could have described him just as well.

Colleen’s heart twisted, the weight of her next words pressing heavily on her chest.

“I’m managing,” she murmured, forcing a smile.

“No need to fret over me.”

“Okay.”

He nodded, his eyes alight with cautious hope.

“I don’t want to push you, but… may I ask? When might I speak with your parents? I owe them an apology.”

An apology?

Colleen’s voice faltered, her lips parting as she shook her head.

“Brady, it’s not necessary.”

“It is!” Brady insisted, his voice rising with urgency as he clasped her hand.

“I messed up, Colleen. I can’t just let that go without making it right.”

“Brady…” Colleen’s voice cracked, his name a soft lament on her lips. Tears spilled down her cheeks, her lashes fluttering as she struggled to find words.

Her throat tightened, parched with emotion.

“I’m so sorry.”

Brady’s eyes widened, locked in disbelief as he shook his head vehemently.

mr ρdaes ? anovels.cm

“You’ve got nothing to apologize for! I’m the one who messed up!”

But Colleen’s head continued to sway, her voice a fragile whisper.

“I’m sorry… so sorry…”

Tears streamed down her face, each one falling harder than the last as she gazed at Brady.

Brady’s heart sank, drenched in the flood of her sorrow. The truth was clear, yet understanding it didn’t dull the ache.

He had braced himself for this moment before stepping into the room, but knowing the outcome and accepting it were worlds apart.

“No…” Brady’s voice cracked as he shut his eyes, his body trembling.

In a surge of desperation, he pulled Colleen into a fierce embrace, holding her as if she might vanish.

“No, Colleen!” he choked, his voice quivering with raw emotion.

“Brady,” Colleen whispered, her cheek pressed against his shoulder, tears soaking into his shirt.

“I’ve fought so hard to hold on.”

“I know, I know!” Brady cried, his voice breaking.

If not for Colleen’s stubborn resolve, their relationship would’ve crumbled over six months ago.

“But…” Brady’s hands rose to cradle Colleen’s face, his own eyes swollen and red with grief.

.

.

.