Chapter 265: Newfound revelation...

Selene POV

Noah winced, the sting of her words hitting harder than any physical blow. He knew he deserved it—knew that nothing he could say would undo the damage. But he had to try, had to make me understand how powerless he'd felt in that moment. "Selene, it wasn't like that," he began, his voice breaking with emotion. "I was… I was tricked. Everything felt so real, every touch, every—"

"Stop," I interrupted, my voice shaking. I didn't want to hear the details; it hurt enough just knowing. I turned away again, focusing on the window as I blinked back the tears threatening to spill over. I didn't want to cry, not now, not in front of him. "I just don't understand how you could be so blind, Noah."

Noah ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling inside him. "I wish I could take it back," he said desperately. "I wish I could go back and stop it from happening, but I can't. I hate myself for this, Selene. More than you could ever hate me."