She stood there, not with pride… but with regret.
Not for who she was—but for how far she let herself fall trying to feel wanted.

He had always seen something in her, but now he was staring at a version of her that had been dimmed by pain, choices, and everything she thought would fill the emptiness.

“I know I messed up… I just want one more chance to be the woman you deserve,” she whispered, voice cracking.

But he didn’t flinch.
“You ran through everybody like I wouldn’t see the damage. Now you want me to see you the same?”

Sometimes, the apology comes too late.
Sometimes, growth costs the very person who loved you most.