Alex's words hang between us, heavy and unshakable.
"Emma, I've never stopped loving you. And I never will."
The confession should shake me. Should break me.
But all I feel is exhaustion.
I grip the edge of the doorframe, grounding myself as my world tilts on its axis. The man standing before me—the man I once loved, the father of my child—is looking at me like I'm the only thing keeping him tethered to this earth.
But I don't know if I can be that for him anymore.
"Alex..." My voice is hoarse, uncertain.
He takes a step closer. I don't move.
"You don't have to say anything," he murmurs, his blue eyes piercing into mine, searching for something—hope, regret, love. "Just listen."
I exhale sharply, crossing my arms over my chest like armor. "You shouldn't be here."
He nods, swallowing hard. "I know."
"But you came anyway."
