Elena’s POV
I looked at Ethan’s outstretched hand, feeling a strange, hollow quiet settle over my chest.
There was a time, not too many months ago, when hearing Ethan Carter beg for my forgiveness would have been everything I wanted. But staring at his desperate, pleading eyes now, I felt nothing. No anger, no longing, no satisfaction. Just an overwhelming, exhausting numbness.
I took a deliberate step backward, putting distance between us.
"No, Ethan," I said softly, my voice steady and unyielding.
Ethan’s hand faltered, dropping an inch. "El, please...."
"I don't want your second chances, Ethan. And I don't want your apologies," I interrupted, looking him dead in the eyes. "I am done being a prize passed between two brothers who only care about hurting each other. I'm done with you
