Chapter 53
Carter stared down at his trembling hands, the weight of shame heavy in his chest. He took a long, jagged breath before nodding slowly.
“You’re right,” he whispered, the admission tasting like ash. “I was wrong to do that. I never intended to hurt you, Sarah. I was just… I was terrified.”
“And you think I’m not?!” Sarah’s voice cracked like a whip, her eyes flashing with a mix of hurt and fury. “Especially when you shut me out or, worse, just run away? You’re not a victim here, Carter!”
“I never said I was,” he replied, his voice barely audible.
“Then stop acting like it!” Sarah snapped.
Carter let out a weary sigh. This was spiraling. He had hoped for a bridge to understanding, but he should have known better than to think their history could be mended so easily.
“Sarah,
