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    “And yet,” Elyse said softly, her voiceced with something almost wistful, “I feel like I’ve always been with you, in a way.”


    Theo’sugh was hollow, almost cynical. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying you’d leave Jayden for me? I could ept this child, you know.”


    Elyse didn’t flinch. Instead, she offered a small, knowing smile. “Theo, I believe we met for a reason. The parts of me you shaped will always be there, just as the parts of you I changed will never fade.”


    Her voice softened. “I won’t lie—I hated you at times. Intensely. But I could never truly hurt you. I loved you, after all.”


    Her words struck something deep within him, and he swallowed, his throat tight.


    “You weren’t always faithful,” she continued, reflective now, “but you were never cruel. When I needed help, when my pride was at stake, you stepped in without hesitation. In your own way, you were a good partner. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have wanted to marry you in the first ce.”


    Theo let out a quiet chuckle—self-deprecating, almost disbelieving. “A ‘good partner’?” He shook his head. “You’re too kind. I was selfish, Elyse. Possessive. I resented how brightly you shone. I even had… dark thoughts. Fantasies of keeping you to myself, even if it meant breaking your legs.”


    A dry, humorless smirk tugged at his lips. “A creepy, shadowy creature like me? And you thought I was someone worth marrying?”


    Elyse nodded, lost in the memories. “Of course, I knew all of that. I was with you long enough—how could I not?”


    Theo’s head snapped up, disbelief flickering across his face. “You knew… and you still wanted to marry me?”


    “Yes.” Elyse met his gaze without wavering. “Even knowing everything, I still wanted to marry you.”


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    Elyse gazed at her palm, lost in thoughts of her former self. She spoke gently. “But that was the old me who wanted to marry you. I’ve grown since then, discovered my true calling, and I no longer see us together.”


    Theo understood the shift in her. The old Elyse had been hesitant and shy, drawn to men who were decisive, possessive, and strong.


    But she had transformed, cultivating a resilient heart and newfound self-assurance. That kind of man now felt more confining than protective to her.


    Jayden had once been that kind of man, which exined their past breakup. While Jayden quickly recognized and addressed his ws, Theo had struggled longer with his emotions and what they meant.


    Realizing this, Theo said with a wistful smile, “So, missing the boat means this? Back when neither of us was our best, we could have married. But now, as we’ve reached our best selves, we’re no longer a match?”


    He looked up at Elyse, his voice tinged with pain. “Isn’t this harsh?”


    Elyse responded, “Maybe everyone grows at their own pace. Some need these experiences to push them forward.”


    Theo’s expression was somber. “This has been overwhelming for me.”


    At that moment, Gavin and Freda burst in.


    Freda started to call out to Elyse but froze when she saw Theo. Her face soured as she demanded, “What are you doing here, you jerk?”


    Theo, with no warmth, retorted, “Why should it concern you? Focus on your own matters.”


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