Chapter 23 - THE WRONG WOMANDorian found Arielle outside on the terrace.
Savannah air.
Live oaks.
Music muffled through glass.
He stood several feet away.
“I’m sorry.”
Arielle smiled sadly.
“You've said that.”
“I know.”
He did not come closer.
Good.
“I want to ask you something.”
“What?”
“Is there any chance?”
Arielle looked at him for a long time.
Dorian’s eyes filled.
She loved parts of him still.
That was the cruelest truth.
Love did not automatically disappear when trust did.
“You didn't just believe the wrong woman,” Arielle said.
Dorian looked down.
“You became the wrong man.”
His face tightened.
“I know.”
“And I cannot promise I will ever forget the moment you looked at me and decided I deserved your hand across my face.”
Dorian cried quietly.
Arielle did not comfort him.
Not because she was cruel.
Because his pain was not hers to manage.
“I’m filing.”
He closed his eyes.
“Divorce?”
“Yes.”
A long silence.
Then:
“Okay.”
Arielle looked surprised.
Dorian swallowed.
“I don't want it.”
“I know.”
“But I don't get to punish you for choosing safety from me.”
For the first time, Arielle’s eyes filled.
Not enough to change her decision.
Enough to acknowledge growth.
She nodded.
“Thank you.”
Dorian left first.
May you like
That mattered.
He finally understood that loving her did not entitle him to remain beside her.
