At that critical moment, Mitchel considered handling her final affairs and then joined her in eternal rest if she hadn't made it.

Even as he donated his blood for her, these thoughts lingered.

Should Raegan perished, his life seemed pointless. Unknowingly, Mitchel found himself couldn't live on without her.

Before meeting Raegan, Mitchel couldn't fathom loving someone so deeply, eager to do everything for her while also wrestling with the urge to force her back to his side. He had somewhat become a mix of generosity and selfishness.

“Raegan, just yesterday I was still wrestling with showing you that what you could offer me wasn't pity, but genuine love. But after last night, after I burst through the door and saw you there, so vulnerable, I've been terrified. Even now, with you here, I'm still afraid..." Mitchel paused, struggling to steady his voice.

"I'm afraid of what might have happened if I hadn't found you, or if I had been too late... I need to tell you I want to be with you, even if your feelings for me are out of pity. Just stay with me. I'll do everything in my power to protect you and our children.”

Mitchel realized his confession contradicted what he had declared the other day. That day, he questioned whether her declaration was merely out of pity and made it a point he couldn't accept such sentiment.

Yet, here he was, pleading for her to consider them together, even out of pity.

His overwhelming affection made it possible for him to forsake all else, including his deeply cherished pride. He exposed his deepest vulnerabilities, completely yielding to Raegan.

“Raegan, it might seem selfish, but I'm asking you to start anew with me." Mitchel's voice wavered slightly.

Silence filled the air.

Raegan could feel the slight tremble of his body. She sensed his fear. What was he afraid of? Was it because her love for him had not been expressed clearly enough, making such a self-assured man doubt himself?

Raegan's arms encircled Mitchel's waist, feeling his pronounced shoulder blades through his thin frame, a body marked with scars from his previous efforts to protect her. The thought alone made her heart wrench painfully.

Mitchel, receiving no immediate reply, gradually loosened his embrace.

He took deep breaths, his exhales slow, striving to keep his voice steady. "Raegan, don't feel compelled. If you turn me down, that's alright. It's your right, a sign of your autonomy, your freedom to make your own choices, free from anyone's influence. I'll manage."

God knew the agony it took for Mitchel to utter these words. If he couldn't even glean pity from her, he knew he'd lose all his bravery, the bravery to confront life...

As Mitchel was slowly letting go, Raegan, who had been quiet, suddenly lifted her head and held him tightly. A passionate kiss landed on his lips. Her kiss then trailed down to the distinct Adam's apple at his throat.

Mitchel tensed, a wave of unrest sweeping through him, as he abruptly caught her hand that was unbuttoning his shirt, his voice rough, as though burnt. "Raegan, you."

Raegan gazed up at him, tears brimming in her eyes. “Mitchel, I'm even more selfish than you. Since the beginning of our relationship, I've wanted you all to myself. I've envied your past relationships and resented any attention you showed other women. Back then, you were my entire world, yet I wasn't the only one beside you. I felt helpless and envious, and divorcing you was how I coped with the broken fragments of my self-respect."

Mitchel wanted to explain something, but Raegan silenced him by placing a finger on his Lips.