“Power’s a heady, addictive thing, Stella. It corrupts even the best of people, and I wasn’t even close to good. I was the lowest of the low. Taking power and lording it over others used to make me feel like I was in control. With you, I learned that true power is trust. It’s partnership. Vulnerability. Kindness. Friendship. You showed me all of that. You saved me from a lifetime, trapped in an ugly, vicious cycle that never would have made me truly happy. And for that, I will always be grateful. I never wanted to make you cry. I wanted to love you, and I still do.”
