She sobbed softly, her shoulders trembling as she struggled to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
"Why did you have to break my heart before apologizing?" she asked, her voice cracking with pain. "You know I'm in love with you. Even if you don't feel the same way, the least you could do is respect my feelings."
Aciel felt an unfamiliar ache in his chest.
Without thinking, he pulled Xylia into his arms.
"I'm sorry."
His voice was quieter now.
"Your reaction caught me off guard. I got curious, and I pushed things too far."
He gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"And I'm sorry about Grace."
Xylia lowered her gaze.
Aciel tilted her chin upward.
"Don't cry."
He sighed.
"I told you already. I promised I would never have another woman."
"But we're not married yet."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"That doesn't matter."
His gaze softened.
"You're the only woman in my life, Xylia. I promise."
