"Because I realised I still have feelings for you, Rose."

I stopped breathing for a few seconds, eyes widening slightly in his direction. What was he saying? Swallowing the lump formed in my throat, I swiped my tongue over my chapped bottom lip, wincing.

“W-What are you saying, Zain?”

He took a step further, the familiar scent making my nose flare. From up close, I could see the purple hue under his eyes, cheekbones sunken, lines marring his face and a dull look overall. Like he had been having little to no sleep these days.

“I was a fool to let you go…Please forgive me, Rose.”

Something alight in my...