I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. This was it—the moment I needed to be honest, to finally put everything on the table. But as I looked into Chris's eyes, the sincerity and love I saw there made it impossible. I couldn’t hurt him, not like this.
"Nothing," I said finally, forcing a smile. "I just wanted to say thank you—for everything. I know I haven’t been the easiest to deal with lately."
Chris studied me for a moment, as if sensing that I wasn’t telling him the whole truth. But then he nodded, his expression softening. "You don’t have to thank me, Melissa. I love you. I’m here for you, no matter what."
His words were meant to comfort, but they only made the guilt worse. I reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I love you too, Chris."
We spent the day toget
