"I told you, I'm not trying to have control over you. I asked for your help, I even begged—and you refused," Caius said, his voice calm but firm.
Heather narrowed her eyes. "And you honestly thought I would help you after everything you've put me through?"
Caius didn't respond right away. He just stood there, looking at her, like he was trying to figure her out or find the right words to crack through her anger.
"You think I'm the villain in this story," he finally said, "but you're worse than me."
Heather crossed her arms. Her eyes burned with disbelief, but she let him continue.
"I know what I've done," Caius said, lifting his hands slightly, as if surrendering. "I've made horrible choices. I've hurt people. I'm not a good man. But haven't you once considered that I regret everything?"
Heather gave a sharp, humorless laugh. "No. I never thought you did."
He nodded, as if her response confirmed something he'd expected.
