Chapter 115

Christiana’s POV

I arrived at the restaurant, an elegant little place that Daniel had picked out, its warm lighting spilling onto the sidewalk. I wax late–later than I should have been. I took a deep breath before entering, telling myself this was the right thing to do. I had made my choice, and now, I just had to face him.

When I walked in, there he was, looking dapper as ever in a crisp suit and that effortless charm. His face lit up when he saw me, his eyes warm, his smile genuinely happy. Guilt twisted in my chest, he was excited to see me. I forced a faint smile, waving as I approached the table.

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“Christiana,” he said, standing up to greet me. His eyes softened, and for a second, I almost forgot why I was here.

“Hi. Daniel,” I replied, my voice gentler than usual. We exchanged a brief hug, and I took my seat across from him.

“Where are the kids?” he asked, glancing behind me as if they’d just pop in.

“They couldn’t make it,” I said, forcing a light tone. “They wanted to stay… with their father.” My words hung in the air, and Daniel’s expression faltered, his mouth tightening as he tried to hide whatever he was feeling.

“Ah, right,” he said, giving a small nod. His fingers fidgeted with the edge of his napkin, but he quickly brushed it off, flashing me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Well, more time for just the two of us, then.”

I managed another small smile. He tried to make small talk, asking about my day, how things were going at the gallery. But then, he stopped, studying me for a long moment. “How are you, Christiana?” he asked, his voice soft, almost cautious. “Really,”

The kindness in his gaze made it harder. I swallowed, feeling my throat tighten. “I’m… okay. Really, I am,” I said, looking down, tracing invisible patterns on the tablecloth. “It’s been… a lot, but I’m handling it. Thank you for being here for me, Daniel. Really, you don’t know how much that means.”

nodded, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small box, sliding it across the table. “I… got you something. I thought it would suit you,”

stared at the box, feeling my heart thump uncomfortably in my chest. “Daniel,

across his face, “Why not? It’s just a gift, Christiana. No strings attached,

feeling my hands begin to shake slightly. “Daniel… I don’t want to lead you on. You’re such a good person, and you’ve been so supportive of

a look of heartbreak that cut deep. “Christiana… what are you

steadying myself. “I think of you as a friend, Daniel. A very dear friend. But… that’s all I can give. I can’t give you what you’re looking for. You’re a wonderful

swallowed, his eyes darkening as he looked down at the box he’d offered. “You’re… choosing him,

out barely above a whisper, and it felt as though I had punched him. I

fist, and he looked away, breathing deeply. “I thought…” He cleared his throat, struggling to keep his voice steady. “I thought I had a chance with you, Christiana. I thought, maybe, I could be part of your life. And the

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Chapter 115

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going back to the man who left you. Who walked out, and only came back

like that,” I said, my voice trembling.

his face. “Of course. Of course, it’s always him.” His shoulders slumped, and for the first time, he looked defeated. “You have no idea how much wanted to be the one. I thought maybe… just maybe… I could finally be

whispered, reaching out to touch

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