Chapter 52

Klein looked at Evangeline with a reassuring smile. "I'll give you two a moment," he said softly, nodding towards Zach, who stood a few feet away.

Evangeline nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned to face Zach. "Hi, again. " she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zach gave her a small, hesitant smile. "Hi, Evangeline," he replied, his tone cautious.

There was a moment of awkward silence between them before Evangeline spoke again. "Zach, I appreciate you coming here," she began, trying to keep her voice steady.

Zach nodded, his expression serious. "I needed to see you, Evangeline," he admitted as his gaze searched hers. "I needed to talk to you... to apologize."

Evangeline felt a lump form in her throat as memories of their past flooded back. "Zach, you don't have to apologize," she said softly. "We've both made mistakes, and I've forgiven you."

Zach shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "But I hurt you, Evangeline," he said, his voice pleading. "I betrayed y