Chapter 18: Crossing the Line

Evelyn arrived at the café early, choosing a small table by the window where she could watch the street. She had barely touched her coffee, her fingers idly tracing the rim of the cup as she waited. The anticipation was suffocating, an odd mixture of dread and excitement settling in her stomach. 

She had agreed to meet Alexander, but she still wasn't sure if it was the right decision. What if he had nothing new to say? What if this meeting only stirred up more pain?

The door swung open, and Alexander stepped in, scanning the room until his eyes found her. He looked different in the daylight—less like a shadow from her past and more like a man who had lived years without her. He approached the table, his movements careful, as if afraid she might change her mind and leave.

"You're early," he said, his voice softer than before.

"So are you." She gestured at the seat across from her. "Sit."

He did, placing his hands on the table but not reaching for his coffee. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence was almost deafening.

"I appreciate you coming," he finally said.

Evelyn exhaled, tapping her nails against the ceramic mug. "I figured it was better than running into you unexpectedly again."

Alexander gave a small, wry smile. "Fair enough."

She glanced at him, studying his expression. There was something hesitant in his gaze, something unspoken that lingered between them. 

"So," she began, keeping her tone neutral. "Are you going to actually explain this time?"

He nodded. "I owe you that much." He exhaled slowly before continuing. "I left because I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought I was protecting you."

Evelyn scoffed. "Protecting me? From what?"

"From me," he admitted. "From my choices. From the fallout of things I couldn't control."

She frowned, shaking her head. "You don't get to decide what's best for me, Alexander. That's not how this works."

"I know." He ran a hand through his hair. "I was young and stupid. I thought disappearing was the best way to keep you safe, to keep you from getting hurt."

"Well, congratulations," she said bitterly. "Because that plan worked beautifully."

He winced. "I know I hurt you, Evelyn. That was never my intention."

She swallowed hard. "Then why now? Why come back?"

"Because I realized that I was wrong," he said simply. "And because I never stopped thinking about you."

Evelyn's heart ached at his words, but she refused to let herself soften too quickly. "And what do you expect me to do with that information?"

"I don't expect anything," he replied honestly. "I just wanted to see you again. To tell you the truth."

She studied him carefully, searching for any sign of dishonesty. But all she saw was regret.

"I don't know if I can forgive you," she said finally. "Not yet."

He nodded, accepting her words without argument. "That's fair."

The conversation could have ended there, but something kept her rooted to her seat. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was something deeper. Either way, she wasn't ready to walk away just yet.

"So," he said after a moment. "How have you been?"

She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "That's a loaded question."

"I've got time."

And for some reason, despite everything, she found herself answering.