As soon as she stepped out of the jewellery store, Alexis hurried to the car, her vision blurred with tears she couldn’t hold back any longer. She leaned into the seat, hiding her face in her hands, each tear a reminder of what just happened…a proposal that felt more like a mockery than a dream.
Cody followed, his expression clueless but vaguely apologetic. “I’m sorry, Alexis,” he said, sounding oddly detached, like he was saying it because he knew it was expected, not because he fully understood what just happened She forced herself to nod, not looking at him, because even his apology felt empty. Cody’s expression was lost, almost amused, as though this whole episode was another game. She tried to remember that he couldn’t help it.
The drive back was a quiet strain, the air filled with
