Being sorry does not erase the impact of your actions

——

Lily’s POV

The car came to a smooth stop, and I sat patiently in the passenger seat as Alex hurried around to my side and opened the door for me.

“Thank you,” I said softly, as he took my hands and helped me out.

The cool evening breeze brushed over my skin, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens.

He smiled widely, shutting the door gently behind me and handing the keys to the valet. He tried to take my hand again, to walk beside me, but I shrugged him off.

Still, in that brief touch,...