Regina swallowed hard, avoiding eye contact as she kept her focus to the floor. “When..I cast this curse,” she choked, voice growing hoarse as she fought back tears, “I separated us because…” She broke off, shaking her head as she brought a hand to her forehead. “Because,” she tried once more, “I thought it would be better for you. I thought others would be better for you. I had corrupted you. And, I still continue to. You deserve better, Elizabeth. You deserve a happy ending.”