A nod of understanding came from Alick in response.

Camila, after a pause, mentioned, "She mentioned wanting to return to Faymoor."

Alick stayed silent.

He parked himself on a corridor bench, running his hands through his hair.

His feelings weren't any brighter than Annis’.

They had wedding plans.

And now...

Camila posed a question. "What she's been through might be tougher than you imagined. Are you still up for being with her?"

Alick looked up, locking eyes with Camila.

No evasion this time. She held his gaze and said resolutely, “If it's too much for you, respect her wishes; let her switch to a different setting."

Alick's eyes welled up.

“I'm sorry, Alick. I don't expect your forgiveness. I'll carry the weight of this for Life," Camila apologized, leaning against the wall.

She then asked in a low voice, "You must harbor a lot of resentment toward me, right?"

"I hate those who hurt her more than anyone else I've known," Alick bitterly responded. "I wasn't too invested in her at first. If she hadn't been determined to care for me and stay by my side when I was already a vegetable, I wouldn't have been touched by her and decided to be with her so soon. I always thought her feelings for me were love whereas my feelings for her were mostly gratitude. But later, I realized that being with her makes me genuinely happy. Now, seeing her like this, it breaks my heart."

"Guess what? As a man, this is the first time I feel the urge to cry," Alick said with furrowed brows.

Camila also experienced a similar emotion.

She understood his thoughts.

Then, in a husky voice, he asked Camila, "Do you think I love her?"

Although he was facing her, it seemed like he was also asking himself .

"I wish I could be kinder to her." Alick had been occupied with work ever since he was with Annis, leaving them with Little time together.