The Broken Bonds

I gently pulled away, not out of anger but because I needed space.

"You shouldn't be here," I said quietly.

Ryan's expression was etched with worry. "I was called in because I invested in one of the clinics Sophie used. I didn't know... Ella, I swear, I didn't know what they were doing."

"I believe you," I admitted, surprising even myself. "But that doesn't change anything between us."

He opened his mouth, searching for the right words. I could see the conflict in his eyes-the regret, the guilt, the lingering affection. But we were long past words.

"I'm glad you're okay," he finally said.