71 : Confrontation

VERENA

Shock morphs his handsome face. “No, of course not.”

“There’s a difference, Elijah, between protecting someone and keeping them in the dark,” I explain, my voice regaining its calm. “I understand your fear, but a relationship is built on trust and communication. We support each other, share burdens, face the world together. Not fight our battles alone because we think the other person can’t handle it.”

His gaze softens, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “I understand, and I am sorry,” he says, his emotions true. “Do you forgive me, Rena?”

The anger still simmers within me. “No, Elijah,” I say, my voice firm. “I don’t forgive you for not even trying to communicate with me before.”

His broad shoulders slump, sadness clouding his eyes. It's a look I don’t enjoy seeing, but it's a necessary step.

“But,” I continue, making his attention shift back to me, “I do forgive you for doing what you did for us.” My voice softens, and a wave of guilt washes over me. “I am sorry for how I