Red's POV
"I'm sorry, Red. I tried my best to bring her here, but..." Lela's voice trailed off, heavy with guilt.
But I didn't need to hear the rest. I already knew.
I lifted my hand gently, cutting her off before she could finish the apology that I knew would only make this harder for both of us.
"It's okay, Lela," I said, forcing a small, weak smile as I met her eyes. "You've already done more than enough. I can't thank you enough for even trying."
And I meant it.
Lela had been supportive, going out of her way to help me in a situation that wasn't hers to fix. But no amount of effort could change Destiny's heart if she wasn't ready.
Still, as the words left my mouth, a heavy weight settled in my chest. My disappointment is sharp and undeniable. I felt devastated.
I had hoped that today would be different. That maybe she would walk through that door and give me a sliver of a chance to show her I was still here waiting for her.
But she didn't.
