Nasya's POV
"I'm sorry."
Austin's first words were like the first raindrop falling into a still lake, followed by countless others, rippling outward in endless waves. This was the first time I had ever heard Austin apologize—and it came as he teetered on the edge of death.
I turned my head away, avoiding his weak gaze, feeling as though a boulder had settled on my chest, pressing down until my heart ached with exhaustion.
The Moon Goddess teaches us to forgive others.
But I said: "I hate you."
Beep… beep… beep—
The heart monitor's rhythm quickened again. Austin's breathing grew ragged, and my eyes could no longer focus on the dark, silent night outside the window. I wanted to check if he was alright, but I saw his body tremble slightly, his eyes rimmed red.
For the first time, I wondered—had Austin's past actions not been driven by a desire to humiliate me? Had there been moments when his feelings for me were genuine?
