The silence that followed was deafening, stretching between them like a fragile thread about to snap.
But Clyde didn't take it back. He let the words settle, let Ryley feel the weight of them.
Because no matter what happened next, one thing would always remain true—
He would never regret bringing Ryley back. Never regret choosing him.
Even if Ryley never chose him again.
"No matter the cost, no matter the risk, I'd do it again, Ryley. I'd bring you back. I'd choose you. Even if it meant you'd never forgive me."
Ryley didn't even realize his body had begun to tremble.
He only became aware when the first tear slipped down his cheek, then another, and another—until he was sobbing so hard he could barely breathe.
Clyde's words echoed in his mind like a curse he couldn't escape.
"Even if it meant you'd never forgive me."
