Chapter 19
Calista finally relented with a smirk. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance to speak. But not alone. I’m married now, so I have to consider my husband’s feelings.”
She continued, “It’s only fair to avoid misunderstandings. Also, you only get 20 minutes. I don’t have time for more.”
She glanced at her watch and added, “The countdown starts now.”
If it had been before, Noah would never have dreamed he would kneel and bark like a dog just to have 20 minutes to talk to Calista.
But now, he realized Calista had become a crucial part of his life, even more important than his pride. Unfortunately, he had come to this realization far too late.
Noah forced a bitter smile. “Cali, I’m sorry. I’ve hurt you too many times.
“You were always by my side, working hard to build my career, cooking for me, and taking care of everything I needed. You were so good to me for 12 whole years.
“At first, I was touched. But maybe because I was so spoiled by your love, I started taking it for granted. I became cold–hearted and ungrateful, treating, your kindness like it was owed to me.
“I became arrogant and full of myself, influenced by what people around me said. I was convinced you couldn’t live without me, like the stars revolving around the moon.
“I started hurting you over and over, breaking your heart and making you cry and suffer more than you should have. But you, foolish as you were, kept forgiving me because you loved me. That just made me even more reckless and selfish. I know I’m a jerk.”
Noah took a deep breath, his voice cracked. “I was such an idiot for thinking that because you loved me so much, I could just say a few sweet words and give you some gifts to make things right.
“So I kept letting you down, hurting you again and again, without ever caring about your feelings. Even when your soul was crying for help, I just ignored it.
“The worst part is, I let a moment of temptation get the better of me and broke my promise to you by marrying someone else.”
Noah choked on his words. “I forgot that hurting the one I love only pushes them away. And now, Calli, you don’t want me anymore.”
His words trailed off, his emotions raw
After a long pause, he steadied himself and continued, “Cali, you’re the one I’ve always loved. The girl who made my heart race when I was 18. But over the years, I lost sight of that Losing you finally woke me up and tore me apart.
“You hold a special place in my life. I just got used to having you there and taking your love for granted. Only when you left did I realize what I truly lost.”
Noah, who had always been proud, bent his back and looked at Calista humbly, “Call, can you… give me one more chance? I promise I won’t hurt you again. I’ll treat you well and spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes.”
Calista smiled coldly. “Make up for it? The damage has already been done. Do you really think your empty promises can erase that? Your apologies, those light words of yours, are worth nothing.
“Do you think so little of me, Noah? That I’ll just wait here every time you turn back?”
Noah’s face went pale, and he shook his head. “Cali, that’s not what I meant. I just—‘
Calista cut him off coldly. “But Noah, your actions say otherwise. After everything you’ve done to hurt me, how do you even have the nerve to ask for peace? Are you that forgetful? Maybe your memory’s failing, so let me remind you.”
