“I know,” he said quickly. “I know that. And I’m not here to make excuses. I’m just—” He released a deep breath, pressing a palm to the wall beside her. “I’m here because I can’t lose you, and I knew stepping out to go for the damn dinner I don’t even want to attend would make the gap between us burn thinner.” His hand came to her jaw before sliding to her nape, gently making her look back at him.
“I can’t lose this,” he confessed. “I’d rather have your anger than your silence or resignation. I’d rather stand here and take every word you throw at me for being such a coward and even making you and the kids an option.”
Sophia clenched her jaw, her eyes stinging. She hated how her emotions betrayed her. How the tears she tried to bury began to rise.
“Alex…” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort. “I am tired. I’m so tired of doing this dance with you. Of building something only for it to crumble every time life shakes us.”
Alex’s gaze remained steady on her; fear c
