Chapter 25

Adrian smiled a little, patting Nicolas on the shoulder. "You'll never know the answer if you don't try, Nico. If she still has some feeling for you, she'll give you a chance to listen. But if you keep quiet, you're just making room for someone else to fill the void."

Adrian's words left Nicolas speechless, pondering. "So you think I should try it?" 

"More than that," Adrian said firmly. "You have to show her that you really care, Nico. Fight for her. Tell her what's really going on. Celine deserves to know why, and you deserve a chance to make things right, too."

Nicolas let out a long breath, as if gathering courage. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time I stopped hiding, stopped watching from afar." He paused for a moment, then said with determination, "I will fight for it, Adrian. I must try even if the risks are great. For Celine's sake... and Calvin's."

Adrian smiled, proud to see his friend make that decision. "That's what I've been waiting for, Ni