It all feels so empty. After all, this, to finally see something genuine from him when we are at a place where I will never be able to forgive him.

“I know.” Alexi no longer looks controlled or cocky. He seems hurt, sorrowful and intent on gazing into my tear-filled eyes. A softness to him I have seen in short moments these past few weeks and only now realise maybe they were real.

“Why now … after all that? Why, when I’m too afraid to let you close, do you decide I’m ...