Book 3: Chapter 43

Diego’s expression fell, a shadow crossing his face as the weight of her words hit him. He didn’t look away, didn’t try to deny or deflect. Instead, he nodded slowly, as if each of her accusations was a deserved blow he willingly accepted.

“No, Esmeralda,” he murmured, his voice thick with regret. “I don’t expect any of it to vanish. I don’t expect you to forgive me, or even to forget. What I did… it was unforgivable. The betrayal, the disrespect, all of it. And I’m not here asking for your forgiveness, not yet. I know that might never happen, and I accept that. What I’m hoping for… what I’m asking for is a chance to make amends, to try, at the very least, to undo a small part of the hurt I caused you.”

He reached across the table, his hand trembling as it found hers. She was startled by the vulnerability she saw in him, a stark contrast to the cold, controlling Diego she had known. The same hand that had once dictated her life, and controlled her choices, now held hers