"Then, one day, I saw your interview on a big LED screen downtown."

"The magazine was calling you a ‘genius youth.’ Right then, I wasn't just happy to see you. I felt even smaller, wondering if I could ever match up. But at the end of the interview, you looked straight into the camera and said, ‘Don't let setbacks scare you off from chasing your dreams. They're there to strengthen you, not to defeat you.'"

Those words were like a light on a dark winter's night, guiding Raegan way. They motivated her to keep going. Thanks to that motivation, she became the better version of herself. Her challenging experiences molded her, making her someone who contributed positively to society. Mitchel's kindness had transformed her into a warm-hearted person.

As Mitchel listened, tears welled up in his eyes. To be honest, he had never really visited Tenassie before. He only made a quick stop there, not even aware it was called Tenassie. It was a brief half—hour stop in his life, but it deeply affected Raegan.

At that moment, he felt an overwhelming sadness. Raegan had overcome so much to be with him, yet he had questioned her time and time again due to misunderstandings.

Mitchel drew Raegan close, his voice breaking as he cried. “Raegan, I'm so sorry. You've endured so much..."

Now, he understood why Erick was so doting toward Raegan. Even though Raegan was the youngest daughter of the Foster family and was expected to be spoiled, she faced many hardships after getting lost as a child. How could he not feel the need to spoil Raegan?

"Mitchel, you were my savior back then, but afterward..." Raegan's voice broke, struggling to speak. "You deeply hurt me. I did everything I could to be with you, but when Lauren came back, all my efforts seemed pointless overnight."

Hearing her words, Mitchel's heart felt like it was being torn apart.

He couldn't forgive himself.

Raegan didn't just point out the faults in others. She was honest about her own mistakes as well. For she and Mitchel to be together, they needed to put everything on the table and really clear the air.

“With Henley's meddling, I misjudged. Back in college, he was always there for me and other juniors, so I never doubted his intentions,"

Raegan admitted. “I get how his meddling hurt you, too. The real problem between us was we never actually sat down to talk things through."

Henley's meddling really shook up their already shaky relationship, tying Mitchel in knots he couldn't loosen. Now, Raegan made it clear.

She had eyes only for him, always had, and nobody else. Anything with Henley was all a misunderstanding. He despised himself for not asking and clearing things up, instead choosing to arrogantly keep her close.

Raegan now wanted to get their relationship back on track. Since they both cared for each other so deeply, why not give it another shot?

Especially since Janey loved Mitchel.

One didn't get many chances in life to waste time. Raegan couldn't bear the thought of going through separation again. She said with all her heart, "Let's make a promise to keep no secrets from now on. If we get things wrong, let's talk it out right away. No giving each other the cold shoulder or trying to make each other jealous, okay?"

Mitchel felt as if his heart was being fiercely tugged. Raegan was just too kind. She wasn't only ready to let go of the past but also eager to work on their future together. That was just how genuine she was. When she fell in love, she was all in. He muttered to himself, "What had I done to receive such kindness from her?"

Noticing Mitchel quiet, Raegan started to worry a bit. But before she could overthink, Mitchel leaned in and gave her a _ simple, affectionate kiss on the forehead, without any hint of desire.