Chapter 11 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY APOLOGIZED
Donovan contacted me through our attorneys.
He wanted to discuss the apartment.
That was reasonable.
We arranged a meeting in a neutral office.
He looked different.
Tired.
Older.
Less certain.
For the first ten minutes, we discussed the mortgage.
We agreed to obtain an independent valuation and review our respective financial contributions before deciding whether one of us would buy out the other or sell the property.
Then Donovan asked:
“Can we talk about us?”
I hesitated.
Then nodded.
He looked down.
“I was wrong.”
I waited.
He continued.
“I took you for granted.”
I said nothing.
“I thought you'd always be there.”
I looked at him.
“I was there.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
He swallowed.
“I didn't realize how much you were doing for me.”
I smiled sadly.
“That's part of the problem.”
Donovan looked up.
“I never meant to hurt you.”
I considered.
“Maybe not.”
He looked relieved.
Then I continued.
“But you kept making choices that hurt me after I told you they did.”
His expression fell.
He stared at his hands.
“I loved you.”
I nodded.
“I believe you.”
He looked up.
“But you didn't respect me.”
Silence.
Donovan's eyes filled.
“I know.”
For a moment, I remembered the man I'd fallen in love with.
The man who brought soup when I was sick.
Who stayed up late helping me prepare for interviews.
Who once drove three hours because my car broke down.
I wondered when we'd become strangers.
Then I realized the answer didn't matter anymore.
Donovan asked:
“Is there any chance?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
He closed his eyes.
I stood.
“I hope you become someone who doesn't need to make another person smaller to feel important.”
May you like
Then I left.
And this time, I didn't look back.
