I-I-I came here to-to tell you... You hurt me. But... I can't stop... wanting us back. fidgets with ring
Julian, come on. We're not doing this again. You know how much it's hurting me right now.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself H-Harper, I know it's hard for you to understand, but...
Julian, I don't need your explanations. I need you to respect my feelings.
clenches his fists, frustration evident in his voice Respect? You want me to respect your feelings? After everything you did?
What did I do?! You left me! No explanation, no nothing! And now you have the nerve to show up here and start accusing me of hurting you?!
takes a step closer, his voice low and intense You think I just left for no reason? You think I didn't have my own pain to deal with?
Yes, Julian. That's exactly what I think. You had your reasons, I'm sure. But leaving without a word... that's what hurts. That's what still hurts.
grits his teeth, his voice trembling You don't understand, Harper! You don't know what it was like for me!
Oh, I don't know? Then enlighten me, Julian! What was it like? What made you walk away without a goodbye?
runs his hand through his hair, his voice shaky It-it was chaos, Harper. My family... they were falling apart.
Did you really think leaving me was the solution? That it would make things better for you?
paces back and forth, his words rushed No, no, it wasn't about making things better for me! It was about...protecting you!
Protecting me? By breaking my heart? How does that work, Julian?
pauses, his voice filled with regret I thought...I thought if I stayed, if I let myself be vulnerable with you, I would drag you down with me.
So you chose to drag yourself down instead? Is that it, Julian?
stops pacing, his eyes searching Harper's face I... I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. But I was scared, Harper.
Scared of what, Julian? Scared of loving me too much? Scared of being happy?
<Harper's words hit Julian hard, and he breaks down in tears, realizing the depth of his mistakes and the pain he caused>
she sighs and wipes his tears look Julian, I forgive you. But I need time.
sniffs, composing himself Y-Yes, of course, Harper. I understand. I'll give you all the time you need.
smiles softly Thank you, Julian. I appreciate that. Just... take care of yourself, okay?
nods, a determined look in his eyes I will, Harper. I'll take care of myself, and I'll make things right.
holds Harper tightly, his voice choked with emotion Thank you, Harper. Thank you for giving me another chance.
smiles, her voice softening You're welcome, Julian. Just... promise me you won't break my heart again.
pulls out a small velvet box from his pocket, his hands trembling Harper... will you marry me?
tears well up in her eyes Are you serious, Julian?
drops to one knee, his voice filled with determination Harper, I have never been more serious in my life.
tears streaming down her face Oh, Julian... yes! Yes, I will marry you!
stands up, his face lighting up with joy Oh, Harper! pulls her into a tight embrace I can't believe it...
laughs through tears I can't either, Julian. But... let's not rush into anything just yet, okay?
grabs Harper's hand, his voice filled with excitement Absolutely, Harper. We'll take things slow, and make every moment count.
chuckles, wiping her tears away Alright, Julian. Slow it down. Let's enjoy this moment.
takes a deep breath, regaining his composure Alright, Harper. We'll take things one step at a time.
smiles, her voice filled with warmth That sounds perfect, Julian. One step at a time.
takes Harper's hand and leads her towards the exit Come on, let's get out of here and start planning our future together.
smiling brightly Sounds like a plan, Julian. Lead the way.
opens the car door for Harper and gestures for her to get in After you, my love.