I said nothing. She took a breath. Can we talk? I glanced at my watch. 5 minutes.
She smiled. That's fair. We walked outside. She stood beside her car. I haven't seen Jon since I left.
Good. I don't want anything to do with him. That's your decision. She looked at me. I've thought about everything you said.
Which part? That I don't get to come back just because my other choice failed. I nodded. That's still true. I know.
She looked down at the pavement. I used to think you were cold when you said that. And now, now I think you were protecting yourself. I didn't answer. She continued, "I spent months trying to understand why you didn't chase me.
Because you told me where you wanted to go. I thought you'd fight for me. I wasn't going to compete with another man for my own fiance. " She closed her eyes briefly. I understand that now.
I looked at her. Marilyn, we're not engaged anymore. The wedding is gone, and whatever we had before is gone, too. She nodded. I know.
Then why are you here? She finally looked at me. Because I still love you. I took a breath. That doesn't change anything.
I know. Do you? Yes. She stepped closer. I don't expect you to take me back today.
I don't even know if you could ever trust me again. You're right. But I want to try. I shook my head. No.
Her expression tightened. Why? Because I don't want to. She looked stunned. I thought you still had feelings for me.
I do. Then why? Because feelings aren't enough. She was quiet. I continued.
You left me for John when our wedding was 3 weeks away. You accepted his proposal. You moved in with him. You came back after it failed. I know.
I won't be the man you return to after another man disappoints you. Her eyes filled with tears. You weren't second. Maybe not in your heart. I paused.
But I was in your decision. She looked away. That landed. After a few seconds, she whispered, "If John had been different, I might still be with him. " I nodded.
"That's exactly why. " She looked at me. "What? That's the answer I needed. " She started crying quietly.
I didn't move toward her. I didn't hug her. I didn't tell her everything would be okay. I simply stood there. She wiped her face.
I really lost you. You lost the relationship we had. Is there no chance at all? I thought about it. Then I answered honestly, "Not the chance you're asking for.