The Broken Bonds

“I gently pulled away, not out of anger but because I needed space. "You shouldn't be here," I said quietly. Ryan's expression was etched with worry. "I was called in because I invested in one of the clinics Sophie used. I didn't know... Ella, I swear, I didn't know what they were doing." "I believe you," I admitted, surprising even myself. "But that doesn't change anything between us." He opened his mouth, searching for the right words. I could see the conflict in his eyes-the regret, the guilt, the lingering affection. But we were long past words. "I'm glad you're okay," he finally said. I nodded. "I am now."”