Chapter Five: Confronting the Past
The office was empty, the hum of the city outside the only sound. Damon stood by the window, staring out but seeing nothing. Ava's footsteps echoed softly behind him.
She waited, heart pounding, before speaking.
"About that night…"
He didn't turn. "I've thought about it every day since."
She took a tentative step closer. "I never meant to hurt you."
"I know that now." His voice was rough, honest. "But back then, I couldn't see past my own pain."
The silence stretched between them—long and heavy.
"I wish you had told me the truth," he finally said.
"I was scared," Ava admitted. "Scared that if I said it, I'd lose you anyway."
He laughed bitterly. "Funny how fear can build walls stronger than any brick."
She reached out, her fingers brushing his arm. "I don't want walls anymore."
He met her gaze, the old anger softened by something deeper—hope, maybe.
"Neither do I."
They stood there, two broken people learning to trust again.
And for the first time in years, the future felt possible.
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