He couldn't ask for more. He couldn't risk making the same mistake and hurting the woman he loved again.

She'd made it clear she wanted space. All he could do was honor her wishes and keep his distance.

As Albert took a few strides, the elevator doors slid shut behind him.

The sound was barely a whisper but it weighed heavy on him. He hesitated, wanting to steal a glance back at her, but the doors were already sealed shut.

The longing to see her again gnawed at him.