The words landed heavy in the room.
Charles blinked.
“I just told you I’d transfer.”
“I know.”
“I just told you I want to build something with you.”
“I know.”
“And you’re telling me you’d rather start over by yourself?”
“Yes.”
The silence that followed was sharper than any raised voice.
His expression shifted from confusion to hurt.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am.”
He stepped back slightly, as if distance might help him process.
“After everything? After you almost threw this opportunity away for another man?”
“That’s exactly why,” she said.
He stared at her.
“You think I didn’t see what happened back there?” he continued. “You were seconds away from staying. Seconds.”
“I know.”
“And now you’re telling me you need to be alone?”
“Yes.”
His laugh was hollow.
“So I’m what?
