They stood there, holding each other.
Finally, Thea's sobs subsided, leaving a fragile silence hanging between them.
Ryder gently pulled back, his eyes locking onto hers—flooded with pain, regret, and an unspoken promise.
"It's okay, Thea. Don't cry.." he whispered, his voice trembling with sincerity.
He pulled her back into his arms, holding her close, as if trying to erase all the distance and hurt that had come between them.
Relief flickered across Ryder's face as he cupped her cheek. "Thea... I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you like that."
She clung to him, her breath steadying, as if in that embrace they found a silent promise — that love, even when tested, could still hold them together.
Her heart racing, Thea pressed her face against Ryder's chest. "Ryder... I'm in..." she faltered, the words breaking free as if they'd been trapped too long.
She held him tight, as if she would never let him go, her arms wrapped around him like a lifeline.
