Cruel twist of fate

Chapter 24

Richard's POV

"Are you going to let her leave like that, Richard?" David said, putting down my suitcase.

I looked up at him, my heart heavy with indecision. "I don't have a choice, David. She made up her mind. She thinks it's best for both of us."

David shook his head, a look of determination in his eyes. "You think it's best for both of you, or are you just afraid? Afraid that she'll never forgive you, or worse, that you'll never forgive yourself?"

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had been hiding behind my guilt and fear, convincing myself that letting her go was the right thing to do. But deep down, I knew he was right.

"I... I don't know if I can face her, David. What if I hurt her again?"

"Richard, you've done everything you can to make amends. You donated a kidney to save her daughter's life. You've exposed your brother's crimes. If you love her, you owe it to both of you to at least try."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words sink in. "What if she doesn't want to see me?"

"There's only one way to find out," he said, handing me my jacket. "Go to her, Richard. Tell her how you feel."

With a nod, I took the jacket and headed towards the door, my heart pounding with every step.

Sophia's POV

Packing up the last of my belongings, I glanced around my apartment one final time. It felt surreal to be leaving, but I knew it was the right decision. For Richard, for Lilly, and for myself.

As I zipped up my suitcase, a knock on the door startled me. I wasn't expecting anyone. Opening the door, I found Richard standing there, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability.

"Richard? What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't let you leave like this," he said, stepping inside. "We need to talk."

I closed the door behind him, my heart racing. "Richard, I thought we agreed—"

"No, Sophia. You decided, and I let you. But I can't let you go without telling you how I feel."

He took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. "I love you, Sophia. I've loved you since the moment I met you. And I know I've made mistakes, terrible mistakes, but I can't let you go without trying to make things right."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Richard, it's not that simple. Our past—"

"I know our past is complicated, and I know I can't change what happened. But I can promise you this: I'll spend every day of my life making it up to you if you'll let me."

His words hung in the air, a mix of hope and desperation. I wanted to believe him, but the fear of getting hurt again loomed large.

"Richard, I... I don't know if I can."

He stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "Just give me a chance, Sophia. One chance to prove that we can get through this together."

The sincerity in his voice broke through my defenses, and I found myself nodding, tears streaming down my face. "Okay, Richard. One chance."

He pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. "Thank you, Sophia. I won't let you down. I promise."

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could find our way back to each other. And this time, we would face our future together.