Brandon's POV
I held onto the note like it was a lifeline.
The paper was already creased from how many times I'd folded and unfolded it, my thumb rubbing along the edge as if I could wear my feelings into it, making the words stronger by sheer force of will.
I glanced down at it again, heart hammering, rereading every line for the hundredth time.
Had I said enough?
Had I said too much?
Did it sound desperate—or worse, hollow?
I swallowed and exhaled slowly, forcing the doubt down. What mattered was that it was honest. Raw. Untouched by excuses.
If not seeing me made her feel safe—if my absence was the price of her breathing again—then I would pay it.
But leaving?
That had never been an option.
There was no way in hell I was letting her go. Not when I knew—deep in my bones—that she loved me. Or at least… I believed she did.
