No one will blame you for it.

[Penny!]

[Useless sister!]

[Penelope Bennet? Hah. Aside from the family name you carry, you're not my sister. So, stop calling me Brother.]

[I hate you, and I wish you would just die, Penny.]

Slater's angry voice echoed in his ears, remembering just bits and pieces of the countless hurtful things he had said to Penny in their first life. They all bore anger and cruelty, meant to hurt her in every possible way.

Words he wished he hadn't spoken so carelessly. Words he wished he could take back. If only he had been just a little bit kinder and more understanding, maybe it wouldn't feel so heavy now. Maybe it wouldn't be so terrifying to think about how her heart might change with this confession. And maybe, he wouldn't have to wonder how this would pull them further apart.

Just maybe…