Xavier took a step closer, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "Sophia, what we have is real. My past may be complicated, but my feelings for you have never wavered."
Sophia's gaze met his, and for a moment, the room seemed to fade away. The doubts and uncertainties that had plagued them momentarily faded as they were enveloped in their connection.
"I need time," Sophia whispered, her voice a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "Time to process everything, to figure out how I feel."
Xavier nodded, his hand dropping to his side. He knew he couldn't force her to understand or forgive him. All he could do was give her the space she needed and hope that, in time, they could find their way back to each other.
As Sophia turned to leave the room, Xavier watched her retreating figure, his heart heavy with the weight of his mistakes. He had revealed the truth, but in doing so, he had risked losing the person who meant the most to him.