"Emily, please, don't leave again. I'm begging you—stay with me. I'll take whatever you throw at me, just don't go," James said, his voice full of emotion.
"James, you're still as selfish as ever. You realized you were wrong and now you're desperate to keep me around to soothe your own guilt. Have you ever thought about how I feel? Whether I even want this, or if it makes me happy?" Emily pushed him away, her voice shaking with anger.
"I'm not trying to ease my guilt. I want you here because I love you. I can't live without you!" James said hoarsely, locking eyes with her. These words had sat heavy on his chest for far too long.
Emily froze—had she heard him right?
James said he loved her? That couldn't be real.
"Don't lie to me, James. Even if you do love me, what's that
