Ryan's expression fell, but a small smile curled on his lips. A smile that, after a long time, felt unburdened by any guilt or regret. A smile that only came after realizing and accepting the reality —and finally letting go.
"You don't owe me forgiveness, Arwen," he said, turning to finally look at her. She still kept her back his way. "But I do owe you several apologies. Saying it once won't be enough. But still, I would try."
He paused before speaking again, his tone laced with true remorse. "I am sorry, Arwen —for being a jerk for years. I am sorry for treating you the way no woman deserves to be treated. For ignoring you every single time, for embarrassing you, and for leaving you when I should have carried you to the hospital. I truly apologize."
Arwen didn't respond immediately. She heard him, every word of it, but those apologies didn't stir her. Not anymore.
