Author's pov
"That wasn't your fault," Aria interrupted him urgently. "Ethan, I don't blame you. I never resented you. If anyone's to blame, it's fate being too cruel. Our time together... was too brief."
"But Aria, I don't need your blessings," Ethan refused to release her hand.
Instead, he gripped it tighter, his gaze tender yet painful, his voice nearly choking. "Aria, I only want you. Don't you understand? Last year when I came back from Italy and heard you were dead, my heart died too. My love, please don't abandon me."
Hearing Ethan's words, Aria trembled all over.
Her throat tightened as tears she'd been holding back finally broke free.
He treated her so well, remained so devoted.
"Ethan, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Aria could only shake her head helplessly,
