Molly
Paul stands up slowly, like he has all the time in the world, and walks toward us with that same relaxed smile on his face. My heart starts pounding immediately. I’m not ready for this. Not now. And not after everything.
He stops in front of us, slipping his hands into his pockets like we’re having a casual conversation.
“So,” he says lightly, looking straight at me. “Have you made your decision?”
My throat goes dry.
I glance at Charles. He’s already looking at me. There’s something raw in his eyes. Anxiety, worry, hope. He doesn’t say anything, but I can see it clearly. He’s afraid of my answer.
And that alone almost breaks me.
I look back at Paul and force my voice to stay steady. “No.”
He raises a brow.
“I’m not selling the land,” I say.
For a second, there’s silence.
