Chapter 43: a fair deal

As he approaches Elena's bedside, Damien can feel his heart pounding in his chest.

He takes a deep breath before speaking up, "My love, I've wronged you. I don't know if you will ever forgive me." His voice cracks with emotion as he speaks, tears streaming down his face.

Elena stirs from her sleep and turns towards him, her eyes fluttering open.

She looks at him for a long moment before finally speaking up in a soft voice, "Damien. what happened?"Damien hesitates for a moment before responding. "I made a mistake," he admits sheepishly. "And now there's someone else involved."

Elena looks at him with surprise before nodding her head slowly in understanding. "I understand," she says simply.

Damien feels a pang of guilt wash over him - knowing that he has hurt the woman he loves more than anything else in the world. But still, he can't help but feel hopeful that they can work things out between them.