"You deserve someone better than me—someone who can return your love and grow old with you."
Mia turned away, staring at her hands instead.
"Don't say that nonsense. How do you know they can grow old with me?" he snapped suddenly, his raised voice making Mia flinch.
"No, I mean… there must be someone who—" Her words faltered.
"I don't know, Theo. I just… I can't let you live in my shadow. I'm going to die, and you'll be left grieving. I don't want that for you."
"You've already done it," Theo said, his voice breaking.
"I'll grieve for the rest of my life because you never gave me even a single chance to stand by your side. You're the only woman I want, and I would never regret marrying you."
He lowered his head, pressing his forehead into his hands, his shoulders trembling.
"Theo…"
Guilt flooded her chest. She didn't know how she was supposed to bear seeing him like this.
