I sat in my car outside her apartment. The engine was off, the streets were quiet, but inside me, everything was chaos. I had played this moment in my head a thousand times, rehearsed every word, every pause. And yet, now that I was here, I couldn’t even get myself to open the door

Two years. That’s how long we had been together. Long enough to know that I loved her in a way I never thought possible. And yet, I was the one who walked away. Not because I stopped loving her, but because I knew I couldn’t be the man she deserved—not yet.

I became someone I didn’t recognize, someone who took out his frustrations in the wrong ways, who shut out the person who loved him most. And the worst part? I saw it happening, and I let it.

So I made a choice. I let her go.

At first, I told myself it was the right thing to do. That I needed to fix myself before I could ever be the partner she deserved. But that didn’t make it hurt any less. It didn’t stop the nights when I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I had made the biggest mistake of my life.

I finally forced myself to move, stepping out of the car and making my way to her door. My heart pounded in my chest, my hands trembled slightly, but I knocked anyway.

When she opened the door, my breath caught. She was just as beautiful as ever. But there was something different in her eyes—something guarded. And that hurt more than I was ready for.

"Lando?" Her voice was soft, hesitant.

"Hey," I said, forcing a small smile. "I know I shouldn't be here. But I needed to see you"

She didn't say anything, just crossed her arms over her chest, waiting.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. "I just... I wanted to tell you that I’m trying. I know I wasn’t enough before. I know I hurt you. And I hate myself for that." My voice wavered, but I kept going. "But I needed to be better. Not just for you—for me. And I don’t know if I’ll ever get another chance with you. But if I do… I just want you to know that next time, I won’t let go"