Olivia's POV
I did the right thing. I did the right thing.
The words echoed in my head as I left Maxwell sitting in my bedroom, looking like I'd just reached into his chest and torn his heart out with my bare hands.
I sincerely forgive him, but can I really forget him? Can I really move on without him?
I walked down the hallway, my mind spinning with doubts and second thoughts and a guilt that sat heavy in my stomach.
I hadn't wanted to say that last part. The part about not being able to be with him.
It had come out almost against my will, prompted by something inside me that I didn't fully understand. Some instinct for self-preservation, maybe. Or fear that if I gave in too easily, if I just fell into his arms the moment he apologized, he'd think he could get away with it.
That he could lie and manipulate and control, and all he'd have to do was say sorry and I'd come running back.
I couldn't let that happen.
