Chapter 73

• “I hate you for walking away all those years ago!” Charlotte spat, the words harsh like granite, tumbling out before she could stop them. Her fingers clenched into fists, framing her vulnerability in sharp contrast to her fierce declaration. “It hurt too much then, and it still hurts now. It’s easier to pretend it doesn’t exist than to keep feeling trapped in this whirlwind of emotions.”
• Damien recoiled slightly, her words hitting him like a tidal wave of sadness. “You don’t hate me, Charlotte. I know you don’t.”
• “That’s the problem!” she exclaimed, her voice wavering. “I know I still have feelings for you, and it’s why all of this is so difficult. Being around you—it's too hard.”