The rain outside softened, its rhythm slowing to a gentle patter. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and for a moment, he looked like the man she had fallen in love with. The man who had made her laugh until her sides hurt, who had kissed her forehead like it was the most natural thing in the world.
But that man had left her. And the ache of his absence had been unbearable.
"I know I don't deserve another chance," he said, his voice low. "But I had to see you. I had to tell you how sorry I am."
Diane shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "You don't understand. You shattered me. And now, you expect me to just forgive you?"
"No," he said quickly. "I don't expect anything. I just… I needed you to know that I never stopped loving you."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy and bittersweet. Diane wanted to believe him, to let herself fall back into the safety of his arms. But the wounds he had left were still too raw, too deep.