024

A fragile Apology

Astor turned to her, his eyes narrowing. “What do you mean?”

“You do need people,” she said. “You’re just too afraid to let them in.”

He stared at her, his expression unreadable. “Maybe,” he said finally. “But letting people in means giving them the power to hurt you.”

“And pushing them away means you hurt yourself,” Charlotte countered.

Astor didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes told her he was listening.

Charlotte leaned back against the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

“You’re stronger than you think,” she said quietly.

Astor let out a soft laugh, the sound devoid of humor. “If that were...