"If the friendship between us gave you the wrong idea, I'm truly sorry," he admitted, his voice sincere.
"No worries," Crystal replied, her laughter echoing with grace and dignity. "I know Carol holds your heart, and you could never love anyone else. It was my foolish hope that perhaps I could sway your feelings."
As she spoke, her laughter grew, radiating warmth and kindness. "I truly do like you, and yes, I did use our friendship as an excuse to get closer to you.
But now that you and Carol are back together, I genuinely wish you both happiness."
She paused, a hint of sadness in her eyes, but her smile never wavered.
"Even though I can't be with you, and it'll take some time to let go, knowing that she's back and your smiles will be more frequent than before—that's enough for me."
At her words, Clark felt a pang of guilt.