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Chapter 77: The Apology

Author: Ruby
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-13 00:05:29

Riley's POV

The silence that follows my words is deafening. Brett stares at me with something that looks like recognition.

"You're right," he says quietly. "About all of it."

"I know I am." I don't say it cruelly, just matter-of-factly. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Brett stands abruptly, begins pacing the length of his living room. "I don't know how to love someone without testing them. I don't know how to trust without controlling. It's like asking me to breathe underwater."

“Then learn.” I say firmly, stepping closer.

He looks up at me, eyes haunted. “What if I can’t? What if I’m too broken, too damaged by everything that happened to me?” He stops pacing and faces me squarely. “What if trying to love you the right way just ends up hurting you in different ways?”

I study his face seeing the raw anguish, the deep fear that maybe he’s incapable of the love I deserve.

“Brett, sit down.” I gesture to the coffee table.

He hesitates a moment, then perches on the ed
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