"You don't," Alexander said simply. "You can't know that. Not from one conversation. Not from anything I say." He leaned forward slightly. "The only way you'll know if I've genuinely changed is by spending time with me. Watching how I behave. Seeing if my actions match my words. And I understand if you're not willing to take that risk. If you decide after tonight that you don't want any further contact...I'll respect that. I promise."
"How do I know your promise means anything?"
"You don't. Not yet." Alexander's voice was steady, accepting. "Trust is earned, not demanded. If you give me the chance, I'll earn it. If you don't....I'll disappear from your life the way I've been absent for twenty-five years."
Damien's hand found Aria's under the table, squeezing gently. A reminder that he was there, that she wasn't alone in this, that she could end the conversation at any moment if she wanted.
