"I... I want to do better for you," he admitted, his voice barely audible now. "I know I haven't always been the man you deserve. But I'll try my hardest. No more excuses. No more distance. I'll be the man who might not be deserving of you, but I'll do my best to not make you suffer anymore... to make you happy every day."
Zinnia's eyes softened even more, and for a moment, the room fell into a heavy silence. The weight of his words hung between them, and he could feel her hesitation, her uncertainty. He didn't blame her for it. He didn't deserve her forgiveness, let alone her trust.
Finally, Zinnia reached over and placed her hand on top of his. Her touch was gentle, reassuring, but there was a strength in it that gave him hope. "Sam," she said, her voice soft but steady, "all I've ever wanted was for you to let me in. That's all."
