One Friday evening after work, I unexpectedly saw James waiting outside my office building.
My first reaction was caution.
His recent outrageous behavior was still fresh in my mind. Afraid he might try to force me to go with him again, I instinctively turned to leave.
“Wait, Sarah!”
Seeing my reaction, he quickly called out, giving a bitter smile. “Don’t… don’t be afraid. I just want to talk.”
I studied him from several feet away.
He looked thinner than before, and his usual arrogant demeanor was gone, replaced by a gloomy, cold air.
Seeing no hostility, I stopped reluctantly. “What do you want to say?”
“I…” his voice was unexpectedly hoarse. “I want to apologize.”
“All those years together, you were the only one giving. I never cared enough to even know what you liked.”
“That night I didn’t save you – I’m so sorry for that.”
“Emma’s been arrested. I know now that she planned everything.”
“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure she pays for what she did!”
“I know you don’t want to see me, but I needed to apologize for my mistakes.”
His voice cracked. “I’m sorry, Sarah.”
Seeing his reddened eyes, I expected to feel hurt, but surprisingly, I felt more at peace than I’d imagined.
“I accept your apology, James.” I sighed deeply. “What’s done is done. There’s no point dwelling on it.”
“Though you betrayed my love, my feelings for you were genuine. Even if it ended badly, I accept that.”
“I hope you can find peace too. It would be better for both of us.”
