versation she had to have with Dele pressing on her chest. She had barely slept, her mi

It was still early, but she knew who

breath and pic

ide. Are

away, but something inside her stirred. Maybe it was the desperation in his words

ckly ty

oming

-

, his heart dropping at the sight of her. She looked beautiful, as always, but her eyes... t

, his voice hoarse, u

eading the way to the nearby café they had chosen to meet. It

silence hanging h

find the words. "I know I've hurt yo

the truth, Dele. No more lies. I need to know everyt

but the pain in her

he said quietly, his voice breaking. "I've been so selfish. I convinced myself th

ed for him to continue. She wanted to hear the

never stopped loving you. But I-" He stopped, his eyes c

g. "But what, Dele? You were with her because of

lost. I didn't know how to fix the mess I'd made. I was trying to fill a hole I didn't even know

ffee cup, her thoughts swirling. "And n

ght. I'm not asking you to forgive me, Tasha. I just... I just need you to know t

-

or a long moment, the weight of his confession settling in. She had expected the

him? Could she eve

e, I don't know if I can ever trust you again. I don

just how broken he truly was. But she wasn't sure

id softly. "But I need time. I need space to figu

e you all the time you need, Tasha. I'll wait, n

as she walked toward the do

s voice raw. "I know I've lost y

f the café, the door swinging shut behind her