Lucas allowed her to step back from his embrace and look up at him. She sniffled, trying to pull herself together somewhat.
"Do you feel better now that you've been honest with me, and with yourself about how you feel?" he asked.
"A bit, yes." Celia admitted. "I'm still really angry about what you did, though."
"I can understand that. I don't expect you to just be able to forgive me without another thought." He sighed, then moved as if to wrap his arms around her again. He shoved his hands in his pockets instead. "I can only hope you realise that I did what I genuinely thought was best for you. I'd never do anything to deliberately wound you. I hope you know that."
"I suppose."
"You suppose? Are you being serious right now?" Lucas stared at her incredulously. "Good lord, I love you more than my own life, Celia."
"But you didn't you trust me to handle this on my own. You love me but still see me as weak and incapable."
"Wh-what?"