Amara wasn't expecting him.
Not now.
Not after everything.
The door opened without warning, and there he was—
Adrian.
Breathless.
Uncomposed.
Real.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice guarded.
"I was wrong."
The words came fast.
No hesitation.
No pride.
Just truth.
Amara froze.
"I know," she said quietly. "But that doesn't fix anything."
"I know that too."
He stepped closer—but carefully this time.
Like approaching something fragile.
Like approaching her.
"It wasn't your company," he continued. "You were framed. I have proof."
Her heart skipped.
Relief washed over her—but it was quickly followed by something heavier.
Pain.
"Good," she said softly. "Then your company is safe."
"That's not why I'm here."
Silence.
Thick.
Emotional.
"Then why are you here, Adrian?" she asked, finally looking at him.
His expression softened.
Because now—
He wasn't looking at a business partner.
He was looking at the woman he hurt.
"I'm here because I hurt you," he said quietly.
Her breath caught.
"And I can't fix that with evidence or strategy."
He took another step closer.
"I should've trusted you."
"Yes," she whispered.
"I should've listened."
"Yes."
"I should've chosen you."
That one broke her.
Because it was exactly what she had said.
And hearing it back—
It hurt just as much as it healed.
"I was scared," he admitted.
"You?" she asked softly.
"Yes."
"Of what?"
His gaze didn't waver.
"Of losing you."
Her heart ached.
Because somewhere along the way—
He had already mattered that much.