He grimaced, as if the secret pained him as much as the sickness ravaging his body. “Didn’t want…to hurt you…to lose you…”
Charlotte’s pulse quickened even as she stroked his cheek reassuringly. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere,” she soothed, a promise she intended to keep. Paul’s eyes shimmered with relief and regret. “My darling…forgive me…”.