SIXTY FIVE

Ruth POV

"I understand why you felt that way," I said, my voice softening. "But you should have trusted me. I thought we were friends."

"We are friends, Ruth," Alex said, his eyes pleading. "And I'm sorry. I was wrong to keep it from you."

I nodded, feeling a sense of forgiveness wash over me. Maybe I could forgive him, but I wasn't sure if I could ever trust him again.

"What else have you been hiding from me?" I asked, my voice firm.

Alex hesitated, looking nervous. "There's something else," he said. "Something big."

I raised an eyebrow, my heart pounding in my chest. What could it be?

"Tell me," I said, my voice firm.

Alex took a deep breath and launched into another explanation. This one was even bigger than the first.

As I listened, my mind reeled with shock and anger. How could he keep this from me?

But as I looked into his eyes, I saw the sincerity there. He was telling the truth, finally.

And maybe, just maybe, I could forgive him and move forward.

As Alex finished speaking, I