“Yes, I knew it was going to happen, but it was the worst timing ever because I was finishing up my paper, that he knew nothing about, and well . . . it all came out. He asked for the truth, so I gave it to him.” I dab at my eyes. “You should have seen the look on his face. He was completely destroyed, Nichole.”

“I’m sure he was. Ryot has always wanted you to feel treasured, and I think seeing that you haven’t felt that way would break him.”

“It did. It’s why I didn’t want to tell him the truth because I knew it would hurt him. He apologized. He told me he loved me and that he didn’t want to hurt me anymore, so he signed the papers. It wasn’t out of spite or out of anger. He was defeated, genuine, and wants me to move on.”

“He let you go,” Nichole says softly.

“He did.”

“And you don’t know how you feel about it.”

“I feel lost,” I say right before I let out a large sob. “I know this is what I wanted, but now that it’s over, I . . . I don’t—”

Knock. Knock.

My eyes flash to the door.

“Myla, you in there?” Ryot asks.

“One second, Nichole,” I whisper.

I set the phone down and go to the door. I quickly wipe at my tears and open it. Ryot is on the other side, holding a folded piece of paper in his hand. When his eyes meet mine, he looks tortured.

“You’re crying,” he says.

I wipe at my eyes again. “It’s fine.”

He shifts on his feet and says, “I know I said I would leave you alone, and I will, but I need to give you this.” He hands me the paper. “I don’t want you to think this is my way of changing your mind or making things up to you.” He presses his hand to the letter. “I know it’s too late for that. But before I walk away, I need you to hear these words. This is asking a lot from someone who owes me nothing, but promise me you’ll read it when you’re ready.”

I stare down at the note and then back up at him.

“Please, Myla.”

I nod as my tears fall again, unable to tamp down my emotions.

He lifts his hand and swipes at my tears with the pad of his thumb. “I’m sorry, Myla. I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you. I’m sorry for these past two weeks. I’m sorry for not listening to you, and I’m sorry for not being there for you when I should have been.” He lowers his hand and takes a step away. “If you need anything from me, let me know. And if Nichole needs anything, let me know.” Another step back. “I hope you find peace and what you’re looking for back in Chicago.”

With the saddest smile I’ve ever seen, he turns around and walks back up the stairs as I slowly shut the door, more tears streaming down my face. When I pick up the phone, I say, “That was him.”