Maddie's eyes brimmed with tears as Lucas's hurtful words cut deep, especially with others present.
"Are you serious right now?" she asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "Are you saying this is all my fault?" She struggled to hold back tears, her anger and hurt intensifying.
Lucas's response was calm, yet infuriating. "You need to try harder, that's all."
Maddie's anger boiled over. "Am I not trying hard enough? You've barely touched me in almost a year, and it's always because you're too busy. How is this my fault?" she demanded, her voice rising.
Lucas's response was dismissive. "I hardly have time, you should understand that."
Maddie's hurt turned to resentment. "Understand? Do you think I don't understand? I've been patient, supportive, and loving, but you seem to have forgotte
