Women and Pride

"You—" Catherine's face twisted. "What did you just say?"

She immediately thought of everything Matthew had done to Lenox. All the arrogance, the disregard, the manipulation. She took a breath and repeated herself as if maybe he hadn't understood her.

"I said I'm apologizing. And I already forgave you for everything," she said. "And I am willing to give you a chance. A chance to be with me." Isn't this what he wanted to hear?

She waited, expecting some kind of relief to wash over his face. Gratitude, maybe. But instead, Matthew frowned.

"Are you deaf?" he said. "Or just stupid?"

"What?"

"What makes you think I want your apology?"

Then, without waiting for a response, he stepped past her.

"Matthew, wait!"

He stopped. Turned halfway. "What? Is there something else?"