The door opened, and Kaden stepped inside, his broad shoulders tense. "Elena, we need to talk."

She whirled to face him, eyes blazing. "Talk? After everything you've put me through, you expect me to simply talk?"

Kaden held up his hands. "I know words can't undo the pain I've caused. But please, let me try to make amends."

Elena scoffed. "Amends? You tore my life apart, Kaden. You stripped me of my dignity, my child—"

"I was a fool, blinded by rage and manipulation." Kaden's voice cracked with remorse. "I should have trusted you, believed in you."

"Trust?" Elena shook her head bitterly. "That ship sailed long ago."

Kaden stepped...