Clarice omitted any mention of Brandon when she spoke to Ivan.
This was the first time she had willingly peeled back the layers of her scars. When she reached the parts that were particularly painful or terrifying, she had to pause several times.
After listening, Ivan's expression was pained, his brow deeply furrowed.
He covered his face with his hands, his voice thick with regret. "I'm so sorry. If only I had been there with you... if only I could have been there."
Clarice shook her head. How could that have been possible? Back then, she and Ivan hadn’t even known each other.
Ivan leaned closer and gently wrapped her in his arms. His touch was so tender, as if she were something fragile, something that might shatter if held too tightly.
"I'm sorry..." he whispered, his voice barely
