"I admit I've been a jerk," Arthur said hoarsely, then had to clear his throat. "But I had my reasons for what I did, and now I want to make it up to her and fix my mistakes before I leave."
"What are you up to?" Ethan questioned, somewhat annoyed, perhaps by the last thing Arthur mentioned. "Give her all your money like you do with all your lovers and expect a bit of compassion from her? I think you're mistaken about the person. Christine isn't like that."
"I know!" Arthur said, raising his voice. "That's why I like her. She doesn't treat me like a dying man. To her, I'm just a jerk who showed up in her life without her having the option to get rid of me."
Ethan let out a laugh, which seemed a bit cruel to me. Why mock him now that he was opening up and seemed to be honest?
"You like
