I looked at her. You had plenty of opportunities to stop. I know. But you didn't. No.
She wiped her cheek. I thought I was choosing happiness. You were choosing something new. I know that now. She stared into her coffee.
When Malcolm and I ended things, I went home to my mother's place for a while. I couldn't even look at myself. I stayed quiet. I kept thinking about you. That wasn't fair to you.
I know. She looked up. I thought you'd eventually call me. I wasn't going to. I waited.
You were the one who left. I know. She took a breath. Then I heard you were dating Claire. I didn't respond.
That was when I realized you had actually moved on. I had. I hated knowing that. I looked at her carefully. Why?
Because I thought you'd still be there. I shook my head. Ashley, you don't get to leave someone and assume they'll wait. I understand that now. She reached into her bag and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
She placed it on the table. What is that? I wrote it because I knew I wouldn't be able to say everything. I didn't touch it. You can keep it.
She nodded. Then she looked directly at me. I hurt you. You did. I betrayed you.
I stayed quiet. I canceled our wedding for another man. I remember. I left you alone to deal with everything. I looked at her.
You did. Her eyes filled again. And I regret it. I didn't soften. Regret doesn't change what happened.
I know. Then why are you here? She took several seconds to answer. Because I want your forgiveness. I looked at her.
You already have it. She blinked. What? I forgive you. She looked stunned.
You do? Yes. She started crying. But forgiveness doesn't mean I want you back. Her face fell.
I know. No, Ashley. I don't think you do. I leaned forward. You came here because you wanted to know whether you still had a place in my life.
She didn't answer. And you don't. She looked down at the table. For the first time since she had arrived, she had nothing left to argue. Then she whispered, I understand.