Chapter 157

Claire's POV The weight of Adrian's words settled between us like a bridge finally spanning a chasm that had divided us for too long. I studied his face as he spoke, cataloging the changes that months of guilt and self-reflection had carved into features I'd once known as intimately as my own. The arrogant certainty that had characterized him during our relationship had been replaced by something humbler, more genuine—the expression of someone who had looked into his own darkness and chosen to emerge different. His apology carried none of the careful manipulation that had marked Nicole's false reconciliation attempts. There were no excuses wrapped in contrition, no subtle attempts to shift blame or minimize his role in the systematic destruction of my reputation. Adrian was taking full responsibility for his choices, acknowledging the weakness and jealousy that had made him complicit in something that had nearly destroyed my life. "I appreciate your honesty," I said finally, my voice c