Chapter 43: Years Love and Pain
Noah remained standing, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, a defensive stance that spoke volumes about the walls he had erected to protect himself from further pain.
He watched Adrian carefully, waiting for him to speak.
"I know I've hurt you, Noah," Adrian began, his voice filled with remorse. "And for that, I am truly sorry. I never meant to cause you pain, but I understand if you can't forgive me."
Noah's jaw clenched at Adrian's words, the memories of their past pain still fresh in his mind. He had spent years trying to bury those memories, to move on with his life without Adrian by his side.
"It's too late for that, Adrian," Noah said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You had your chance, and you threw it away. I can't just forget everything that happened between us."
Adrian's heart sank at Noah's words, but he refused to give up hope.
He took a step closer, reaching out tentatively as if to bridge the gap between them.