“I know,” I repeat.
She shakes her head, pacing now.
“I fought for myself,” she says. “I went to the league. I told them I’d recuse myself from your sessions. I told them I’m capable. I proved it.”
My chest tightens.
“I know,” I say softly. “Kamden told me.”
She stops pacing.
“And you?” she asks. “What did you prove?”
That one hits.
“I proved I’m an idiot,” I say. “I proved I’m scared of losing you. I proved I’d rather you hate me than watch you lose your dream.”
Her breath stutters.
“I don’t need saving, Wilder,” she says.
“I know that now.”
Silence.
Then she looks at me, really looks at me.
“You looked so comfortable with her,” she whispers.
God.
I step forward carefully.
“I felt sick,” I admit. “Every second. I wanted to shove her away and run after you.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because if I hesitated, you would’ve seen through it.”
Tears spill down her cheeks.
“You shattered me.”
My voice cracks.
“I shattered myself too.”
I close the distance now, gently taking her hands even though she doesn’t immediately squeeze back.
“I love you,” I say, the words steady and sure. “Not because you’re convenient. Not because you’re close. Not because you’re easy.”
I swallow.
“I love you because you challenge me. Because you call me Wilder when everyone else calls me Wild. Because you make me better.”
Her shoulders tremble.
“I can’t breathe without you,” I admit. “These last few days felt like I was suffocating.”
