As I stood before him, the memories of our past flooded my mind, and I felt a wave of pain wash over me. I took a step back, my eyes flashing with anger and hurt. I didn't want the shadow of the man who betrayed our love to fall on me, tainting my already fragile heart. The thought of being near him again made my skin crawl.

He reached out his hand to hold mine, but I swiftly took two steps back, avoiding his touch like it was poison. The memory of his betrayal still lingered, and the thought ...