“It’s too late,” she said. “Don’t say that.” His voice was half a whisper. “I love you, Tessa. I love you.” She shook her head. “Will … stop.” He took a ragged breath. “I knew you would be reluctant to trust me,” he said. “Tessa, please, is it that you do not believe me, or is it that you cannot imagine ever loving me back? Because if it is the second—” “Will. It doesn’t matter—” “Nothing matters more!” His voice grew in strength. “I know that if you hate me it is because I forced you to. I know that you have no reason to give me a second chance to be regarded by you in a different light. But
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