Something about him softened but he was still raw and full of pain. "I know that. I know you. You're strong and willful and you would never, ever want to hurt anyone. I believe you would have stayed with me..." He collected his thoughts for a moment.

"I told you I thought things weren't going to work out, because I knew I couldn't stand being with you, watching you want to be with him. I've seen that longing in you and I just couldn't stand there and be the second best that had better timing."