She drew in a deep breath, searching for the right words.

“Now I understand your behavior—your fear, your intensity. My God, forgive me for walking out of your apartment like that, for not calling you, for going to Gabriel’s place… and then telling you to leave. I panicked. Seeing him take that punch just for trying to help me—it shook me. But I never wanted to hurt you. Forgive me, love. I would never… never choose him over you. Because you’re the one I love.”

Thor closed his eyes, pressing his face into the curve of her neck, breathing her in as though that moment sealed something inside him. He brushed a tender kiss against her skin and whispered:

“I was wrong too. There’s a lot I need to work on, but I’m willing to change… for me, for you, for us.”

Celina held his arms tightly, her heart warming at his words.

“You’re bringing me back to life, Celina,” he went on softly. “You’re making me want a family again. A home. A reason to fight with my heart, not just my head.”

She closed he