HE SAID I WAS JUST A BET

Chapter 48: A Conversation That Changed Everything

Maria’s heart raced as she stood outside the empty classroom. She had rehearsed this moment over and over in her head, but now that it was here, her hands felt cold and shaky. She knew she had to talk to Daniel—not as the girl who had been hurt, but as someone who was ready to face the truth head-on.

Daniel was leaning against the window frame, his gaze fixed outside as if the world beyond the glass held all the answers. When he turned and saw her, something unreadable passed across his face—surprise, maybe even regret.

“You came,” he said quietly.

“I had to,” Maria replied, stepping inside. “We can’t keep pretending nothing happened.”

Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I’ve been… avoiding it. Avoiding you. But it wasn’t because I didn’t care.”

Maria frowned. “Then why? Why did you let me believe I was just a bet?”

His jaw tightened, and he looked down at the floor. “Because I thought if you hated me, it would be easier for you to move on. I didn’t realize how much it would hurt both of us.”

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken emotions. Maria studied him, trying to decide if she believed him—or if this was just another one of his carefully chosen words.

When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but firm. “Daniel… this isn’t something I can forgive in a day. But maybe… I can start trying.”

Daniel’s eyes met hers, a flicker of hope in them. “That’s all I’m asking for.”

Maria turned to leave, her heart still conflicted, but for the first time in weeks, there was a tiny light in the darkness.