“On the contrary, it’s a speech of someone who is finally accepting that what will be, will be. I have thrown myself into this trial harder than I did the first time around. If it doesn’t…work”—I swallow—“then at least I can say I did everything I could. I was ready to give up, but I was given a chance at hope thanks to you. Even if that hope is in vain, it’s more than I had before I met you.”
Roman blinks once, obviously stunned by my honesty. I am too.
He returns his attention to the road, but his white knuckles on the steering wheel give me insight into what’s currently going on inside his head.
“This will work,” he affirms. “It has to.”
“Has to?” I question, sitting taller, never taking my eyes off him. He shifts in his seat.
“Yes, it has to.” He stares vacantly ahead. “I won’t ac
