Lara stared at him like he had grown another head. And then, she let out a short, incredulous laugh.
“Oh, God, Lucas. Are you being serious right now?”
“I am,” he said, jaw tight with emotion.
Lara’s heart thudded painfully inside her chest, but she kept her face neutral, forcing herself to stay calm even when her insides felt like a storm.
“I was stupid... a coward,” Lucas went on, his eyes desperate. “I didn’t have the courage to admit it to myself, much less to you. I made so many mistakes, Lara. I was so consumed by guilt, by anger, by everything... and I hurt you. I know I did. Over and over because of my pride and selfishness. I blamed you for everything, when in truth, I was just as much—if not more—at fault. And by the time I realized I couldn’t afford to lose you... you were
