"Aria," Marcus said, and his voice was rough but strong. "You came."
She crossed to his bedside and took his hand carefully, mindful of the IV line and the bruises covering his skin.
"Of course I came," she said through tears. "Viktor told me about the accident, and all I could think about was getting to you. I'm so sorry, Marcus. I'm sorry for leaving, for not answering your messages, and for making you think I didn't care. I was angry and hurt, but I never stopped loving you."
"I know," Marcus said, and he squeezed her hand gently. "I never thought you stopped loving me. I just thought I'd hurt you too badly to fix it."
"You didn't," Aria said. "I forgive you completely for the jealousy and the way you withdrew. I understand why you reacted the way you did, and I should have been more patient with you while you processed your feelings."
