As Claire walked away with Leo in her arms, the crowd slowly dispersed.
Julian turned toward me, endless regret swimming in his eyes.
"Nora." His eyes were red and swollen, his voice rough and cracking as he fought back sobs. "I know you'll never forgive me, and honestly, I don't deserve your forgiveness. I'm the one who hurt you with my own hands. I'm the one who pushed you away. I brought all of this on myself. But hurting you and losing you... that's the biggest regret of my life."
He watched me carefully, every word heavy with desperate pleading.
"Nora, I'm not asking you to forgive me or take me back. I'm just begging you... don't shut me out completely. Don't disappear from my life. I won't bother you, I swear. I just want to see you from afar once in a while. I just want to know
