She had heard everything he said. She could feel the regret and remorse oozing from Jeremy, as well as his internal conflict when it came to forgiving himself.

Staring at his back that was mere inches away, Madeline no longer felt that they were miles apart.

Leaning over, she lifted her arm to hold Jeremy from behind.

Deep within his own self-blaming throes, Jeremy was stunned when he felt Madeline suddenly pulling him into a hug. Warmth seeped into his chest.

“I know you can’t forgive yourself for the things you’ve done to me, but I mean it when I told you I don’t hate you anymore.

“Let’s just live happily together for the rest of our days, Jeremy.”

Madeline’s clear voice drifted into Jeremy’s ears, falling into his heart like melodic notes.

He turned to face her, his chiseled features against Madeline's ethereal and small face.

The two pairs of eyes locked. They were engulfed in comfortable silence.

His slender finger traced her brows as he got lost in her beauty.