Aliyah's POV
He blinked. “You don’t understand—”
“I don’t want to understand.” My throat ached, but I forced the words out. “Whatever Cohen said, whatever stories he’s trying to spread—it doesn’t matter. Not to me. I don’t believe in curses.”
His gaze softened, but I turned away before it could sink into me.
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” I added, my voice quieter now. “We’re not in a relationship, Asher, you don’t need to clear anything up with me.”
His lips parted, like he wanted to argue, but I wouldn’t let him. I couldn’t. The more I let him speak, the deeper this would cut.
The truth was, Cohen’s cruelty had only reminded me of what I already knew. My days here were numbered. Two weeks from now, I’d be gone. Away from the whispers, the stares, the men who tore me apart piece
