Mark Reed thought Claudia Ross had already died, so when he saw her appear in front of him alive and well, he became overwhelmed with tears of joy.
"Claudia..."
He hugged her tightly, his words tumbling out, "I thought... I'm glad you're okay... This must be a dream... It has to be a dream..."
"This is not a dream, Mark, I'm fine," Claudia Ross choked out, "You're fine too."
Mark Reed's emotions finally began to stabilize.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault. I failed to protect you."
He had thought that over five years, she would be safe, but he was still too naive.
"Don't blame yourself; you've already done so much for me. I know it all, Mark, thank you."
"I've deceived you; I'm not a good person, I'm very bad."
"No, you're good. You're the best person to me," Claudia said as she wiped away tears. "It's all in the past now. Can you come home?"
"I'm afraid... I can't."
"Why?"
Mark Reed couldn't bring himself to reveal the truth and let go of Claudia Ross. "You should go!"