Chapter 22: One Chance

Ansley's POV

Devin held the velvet box in both hands, and his eyes were red.

The hall was half empty now.

My church circle had stayed in their seats, and my father stood at the end of the front row with his arms folded.

I kept my hand through Darek's arm.

"Ansley," Devin said. "One minute."

"Say it here."

"In front of everybody?"

"These people came to watch us marry. They can hear this."

He looked at the box.

"I know I don't deserve to ask," he said. "I'm going to ask anyway."

He took a breath.

"I told the truth. I lost my job, my parents, Lila. I'll spend every day of my life making it up to you."

"Devin."

"Let me finish." His voice broke. "I'm asking for a chance. One. That's all."

The hall was so quiet that I heard the heater come on.

I had imagined this moment for ten weeks, in the shower and on the train and lying awake in my own bed.

In the imagining I always said something beautiful.

What came out was plain.

"No," I said.

His face fell, and he nodded.

"Is it because of him?"

"It's because of you."

I let go of Darek's arm, so that Devin would know I wasn't hiding behind it.

"You're not a monster," I said. "You held my hair back when I was sick."

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