chapter 88

Alex's words hang between us, heavy and unshakable.

"Emma, I've never stopped loving you. And I never will."

The confession should shake me. Should break me.

But all I feel is exhaustion.

I grip the edge of the doorframe, grounding myself as my world tilts on its axis. The man standing before me—the man I once loved, the father of my child—is looking at me like I'm the only thing keeping him tethered to this earth.

But I don't know if I can be that for him anymore.

"Alex..." My voice is hoarse, uncertain.

He takes a step closer. I don't move.

"You don't have to say anything," he murmurs, his blue eyes piercing into mine, searching for something—hope, regret, love. "Just listen."

I exhale sharply, crossing my arms over my chest like armor. "You shouldn't be here."

He nods, swallowing hard. "I know."

"But you came anyway."