Jeffrey felt a sharp pang in his heart.
"It's such a shame about this dress; it was only worn once before it got torn," Rachel said, a little regret in her voice.
A dress of this quality, once ripped like that, would take a lot of effort to repair, even if it could be saved.
"I'll buy you a new one next time," Jeffrey replied softly. "As long as you're alright, that's all that matters."
Rachel shook her head with a light smile. "I'm fine. I'm not as fragile as you think."
But that smile only made him feel more uneasy. She looked delicate and slender, but she had always been stronger than she seemed.
In all the time they had spent together, he had come to understand her strength better than anyone else. And that only made his guilt heavier.
Because it was his hesitation that forced her to carry the burden she should never have had to bear.
"I'm sorry…" Jeffrey blurted suddenly.
Rachel blinked, confused. "Sorry for what?"
