She stepped aside.
He entered and stood in the small sitting room where the twins crayons were spread on the table.
“He spoke slowly, honestly.
The night we met at the hotel,” he began.
“I was not myself.
You saved me from a bad place.
You stayed.
In the morning, you were gone.
and the only thing left was your watch.
I searched for you for years.
I kept that watch to remind me I wasn’t dreaming.
He drew a breath.
When I found you again, I was afraid.
I didn’t know it was you.
And I thought if I told you I was Henry Cole, the billionaire CEO, you would see money before you saw me.
So I hid.
It was wrong.
I am sorry.
Silence settled.
His eyes did not leave hers.
Evelyn, he said, voice low.
I love you.
Not the picture of you.
You.
The way you work.
The way you protect the children.
The way you laugh when you think no one hears.
I am done hiding.
If you never forgive me, I will still be grateful for every day I got to know you.
Her face trembled.
