CHAPTER 55 We Need To Talk

　　"God, I screwed up," he admitted to the reflection in the window- the image of a man he barely recognized anymore. "None of this should've happened."

　　"Talking to yourself now, Ward?" he chided, shaking his head at the absurdity. But self-deprecation couldn't mask the ache, the longing for a time when things were simpler, when he was the one making her laugh.

　　"Enough," he decided, setting the empty glass with more force than necessary. "This... pity party ends now."

　　Blake retrieved his phone, fingers hovering over the keypad. He knew apologies wouldn't rewrite history, but maybe, just maybe, they could pave a path toward forgiveness.

　　"Camila, it's Blake," he began, the words awkward as he rehearsed the voicemail he'd leave. "Look, I know it's late, and I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear from but... I saw the article. And the picture."

　　He paused, taking a steadying breath before continuing.