Chapter 8

“Emma, can we talk?” Zachary asked, his voice tinged with a mix of nerves and regret. “I…I wanted to apologize for the way I acted with David. I was just…jealous. And it made me realize something.”

Emma’s eyes widened with surprise, caught off guard by Zachary’s sudden confession. She had harbored feelings for him, but the turmoil caused by his girlfriend’s torment had kept her at bay. She looked at him, her guard up, unsure if she could trust his words.

“You have a girlfriend, Zachary,” she said softly, her voice laced with caution. “I can’t simply overlook what she’s done to me. It’s not that easy.”

Zachary’s face fell, his disappointment visible. “I understand,” he replied, his voice filled with genuine sadness. “But Emma, I love you. I can’t deny it anymore. I want to be with you, and I’m willing to make things right. Please, just give me a chance.”

Emma’s heart wavered, torn between her own desires and the lingering pain inflicted by Zachary’s girlfriend