Chapter 181

Zoe's POV

I barely heard Xavier start talking. I knew he had been planning this speech since we got in the car two days ago.

"Zoe, I won’t pretend to understand your pain. I won’t insult you by saying I do. But I know how many times I’ve let you down." His voice was careful, like he was walking on thin ice.

"Don’t. Please." I turned away. I had dreamed of this moment so many times—Xavier realizing what a huge mistake he had made. But not like this. Not when I was barely holding myself together.

"Let me say this. You need to hear it, and I need to say it." He stepped closer, his hands resting lightly on my arms. Not trapping me. Just asking me to stay.

"Why?" My voice was bitter. My body tensed under his touch. I hated how my senses reacted to him now—too sharp, too raw. "You didn’t care about talking months ago."

"Believe me or don’t, but I thought letting you go was the right choice. I wanted you to have a fresh start." Regret thickened his voice, but I didn’t care.

I let out a short