Chapter 38

Finn POV

The drive to Lily's house feels like a never-ending stretch of road. My grip tightens on the steering wheel, knuckles white. Every word I've rehearsed in my head feels inadequate, but I have to say something—anything. The lilies on the passenger seat seem like a flimsy apology, but they're the only thing I could think of that might soften the blow.

I pull up to her house and park, my heart hammering against my ribcage. The flowers feel heavier than they should as I step out, pacing her porch while every scenario—good and bad—races through my mind. The fear of rejection gnaws at my insides, but I can't back out now. I've already screwed up too much.

I hear footsteps and my heart jumps. There she is—Lily. She rounds the corner, keys in hand, pausing when her eyes land on me. Her brows knit together in confusion. She wasn't expecting me. Hell, I wouldn't expect me either.

"Finn?" Her voice is soft, but there's a layer of wariness underneath. Her steps slow as she approaches. "What are you doing here?"

I swallow hard, fumbling with the flowers. "I... uh... I needed to see you. To talk." I hold out the lilies, feeling ridiculous. "I brought these. Lilies, for my Lily."

She glances at the bouquet, her lips twitching in the faintest hint of a smile before her gaze hardens again. "How did you know I was here?"

"Jen," I admit sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck. "Though Kai had to bribe her with some... well, let's just say he's dressing up for her later."

Her eyes widen, and she lets out a reluctant laugh. It's small, but it feels like a win. God, I've missed that sound.

"Of course he did," she murmurs, rolling her eyes, but when her gaze returns to me, her smile fades. "Finn, what are you doing here? Really."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I screwed up, Lily. I know that. I hurt you, and I've been a mess ever since. I just... I had to try. I had to at least try to fix this."

Her eyes search mine, a flicker of something—maybe hope, maybe hesitation—crossing her face. "You broke my heart, Finn," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion. "You lied to me. Over and over."

I take a step closer, desperation clawing at my throat. "I know, and I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry. I don't know how I let it get this bad, but I'm here now, and I'm ready to make it right. If you'll let me."

Lily stands there, her arms crossed, her lips pressed into a thin line. She's thinking, processing, and I don't dare interrupt. After what feels like an eternity, she finally lets out a slow breath. "You hurt me, Finn. I don't know if I can just... forget that."

"I'm not asking you to forget," I say quickly, taking another step toward her. "I'm asking you to let me try again. Let me show you that I can be better."

She blinks up at me, her eyes glistening in the fading sunlight. "Why should I believe you this time? You said it wouldn't happen again before, but it did."

I swallow, my throat dry. "Because losing you made me realize that I can't live without you. I was scared—scared that I'd messed up so badly you'd never want to see me again. But I'd rather face that fear a thousand times than spend another day without you."

Her lips part, and for a second, I think she might say something, but she stays silent. I move closer, gently holding out the lilies again, my hand brushing hers as she hesitantly takes them. The warmth of her skin against mine is electric, and I realize just how much I've missed even the simplest touch.

She looks down at the flowers, her fingers tracing the petals. "Lilies, huh?"

"Always," I say softly. "They've always reminded me of you. Beautiful and strong."

She lets out a small, almost inaudible laugh, and my chest tightens. "You're really trying hard, huh?"

"Trying doesn't even cover it." I smile nervously. "I'm desperate here, Lily."

She bites her lip, glancing away, her cheeks flushed. The silence stretches between us, thick with unsaid words. Then, without warning, she steps toward me, her voice a whisper. "I don't know if I can just let go of everything, Finn. You really hurt me."

I reach for her hand, gently intertwining our fingers. "I know. And I'll spend however long it takes to prove to you that I'll never hurt you again."

Her gaze drops to our hands, and for a moment, she stays still. Then she takes a shaky breath and looks up at me, her eyes full of uncertainty. "I want to believe you."

I squeeze her hand, leaning in just a little closer. "You can, Butterfly. I love you. I've always loved you. And I'll never stop."

Her eyes well up, and she presses her lips together, fighting back tears. "I don't want to get hurt again."

"You won't," I whisper, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "I promise, you won't."

She studies me for what feels like hours, her chest rising and falling with shaky breaths. Finally, she nods, just slightly, and it feels like the world shifts back into place.

"Okay," she whispers, her voice cracking. "Okay, Finn."

Relief floods through me, and I can't help it—I pull her into my arms, holding her close. She doesn't resist. In fact, she melts against me, her hands slipping around my waist, her head tucked under my chin. It feels right. It feels like home.

But as I hold her, she pulls back just a little, her eyes searching mine with something unspoken. "Finn," she starts, her voice soft. "I... I'm sorry, too."

Her words catch me off guard. "Sorry?" I ask, blinking at her in confusion.

She nods, chewing on her bottom lip, her gaze flickering to the ground for a moment before meeting mine again. "I was angry, and I... I didn't handle it well. I said things I didn't mean. And... maybe I put too much pressure on us, on you. I wanted everything to be perfect, and when it wasn't, I didn't know how to deal with it. I didn't give you a chance to explain." She lets out a shaky breath. "I just... I'm sorry for my part in this."

I shake my head quickly, pulling her closer again, my hand brushing her cheek. "Lily, no. You don't have to apologize for that. I was the one who messed up. You had every right to feel the way you did."

She leans into my touch, her lips curving into a small, sad smile. "Still, I should've listened. I should've let you in. I didn't."

I tilt her chin up gently, making her look at me. "We both made mistakes. But we're here now, right? We're both willing to try again."

She nods, her eyes misty. "Yeah, we are."

I smile softly, brushing a kiss against her forehead. "Then that's all that matters."

Her arms slip around my waist again, and I hold her close, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, the feel of her heartbeat against mine. "Thank you," I murmur into her hair. "Thank you for giving me another chance."

"Don't make me regret it," she whispers, her voice soft but firm.

"I won't," I promise, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. "I swear, I won't."

Her gaze softens, and she smiles—a real, genuine smile. And I can't resist anymore. I lean in, pressing my lips softly against hers. It's a kiss filled with all the promises I intend to keep, all the love we still have.

When we finally pull apart, breathless, she rests her forehead against mine, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shining with hope. "I've missed you," she whispers.

"I've missed you too," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "More than you know."

She takes a deep breath, her fingers playing with the collar of my shirt. "Just... don't lie to me again, Finn. Please."

"I won't," I promise, kissing her forehead. "I'll never lie to you again."

She sighs, but this time it's lighter, like a weight has been lifted. She leans into me, her arms wrapping tightly around my waist, her head resting against my chest. "You better not," she mumbles, her voice soft but teasing. "Because I've already planned where I'm going to hide the body if you do."

I laugh, the sound vibrating through both of us as I hold her tighter. "Duly noted, Butterfly."

She tilts her head up, her eyes shining with a playful glint. "Just remember, I've got great aim."

I press a kiss to her nose, my heart swelling at the sight of her smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

She giggles, nestling back into my chest as I sway us gently. "Finn?"

"Yeah?"

"I missed you," she whispers, her fingers tightening their grip on my shirt.

I smile, resting my chin on top of her head, the warmth of her body against mine making everything feel right again. "I missed you too," I whisper, planting one last kiss on her hair. "So much."

We stand there, wrapped in each other, the world fading away. And in this moment, with her in my arms, it feels like everything is exactly where it should be.

"Think we can stay like this forever?" she asks, her voice muffled against my chest.

I grin. "I wouldn't mind that at all."

"Good," she murmurs, her eyes fluttering closed. "Because I'm not letting go."

"Not ever," I agree, holding her closer, my heart finally at peace.

************

Author's Note 

Hi Guys !! 

Over 2k reads !! Like woah, So you guys like 'Tangled Hearts' huh ... hehehe

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RennyTee

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