Dominic was shrouded in shadow, his eyes bloodshot. I looked at him, feeling a sudden, dull ache in my heart—not for him, but for the version of myself from back then, the one who stayed up late working, foolishly thinking she was finally worthy of being loved.
"That's not true, Evelyn," he said, looking up at me. "How could I not love you?"
His knees hit the ground with a heavy thud, his shoulders slumping. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have left you alone. But I really do love you. I broke away from the Kessler family for you; I would give my life for you."
I looked down at him. The moonlight washed over his deep-set features, veiling him in an impenetrable haze, and he looked utterly wretched.
"But Dominic, your love... is something I can't bear."
I turned away. "Go. Don't let the last
