Chapter 44

“I don’t owe you an explanation. Cole,” she said. her tone calm but sharp. “And frankly, I’m done pretending to care about what you or any of Arnold’s friends think of me. You’ve made your opinions perfectly clear over the years.”

Cole blinked, clearly taken aback by her boldness. “What’s gotten into you?” he muttered, his usual confidence faltering.

“Nothing has gotten into me.” Sarah said, her voice unwavering. “I’ve simply realized that I don’t need to tolerate your condescension anymore. For years. I put up with your sneers and your judgment, thinking it was easier to keep the peace. But now? I don’t have to. I’m done bending over backward for people who only see what they want to see.”

Cole’s mouth opened as if to retort, but no words came out.

He wasn’t used to this side of Sarah, the woman who had always seemed so quiet, so docile, was now standing her ground with a calm yet fiery determination.

“You think you know everything.” Sarah continued, taking a step closer. “You’ve made up your mind about me without ever bothering to know me. And honestly? That says more about you than it does about me.”

For a moment, Cole was silent, his smirk replaced by something resembling surprise.

Then, almost grudgingly, he said, “Well, look at you. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

Sarah’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“People change, Cole. Maybe you should try it sometime.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her steps steady and deliberate.

Cole watched Sarah walk away, his jaw clenched tightly.

a simmering anger stirred in his chest.

thought, his mind replaying the sharp words she had thrown

Sarah had been meek and unassuming, quietly taking the subtle jabs and dismissive attitudes of

challenge him was as infuriating as

before he could speak, her phone buzzed. Sarah paused, glanced at the screen, and

said, her voice calm yet distant, as

now completely diverted to whoever

the line.

slipped through his fingers, leaving him standing

as she listened to the person on the

the other end, Harrison’s voice

thinking we could grab a late–night snack. I

0758 O

A Life Without My

33.1%

Chage 64

her phone and hesitated for a

a sour taste in her mouth,

chatter, might be

“Where should I meet you?*

walked toward the restaurant, shaking off

but cory, its warm lighting and rustic decor offering

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