Kapitel 97: Do you love me?

WILL

Cat is looking at me anxiously like my answer determines whether she lives or dies.

Her hands are tightening around mine by the second.

For several heartbeats, I'm stunned speechless. I don't think there are many times I've been rendered speechless before.

She stays silent for a while before her patience drains away and she probs. "Will?"

I rake my fingers through my hair as I shuffle a few inches away from her. Her face falls even before I've spoken.

I blow out a breath. "I'm going to pretend you didn't just ask that."

She looks like I've slapped her.

No. If I slapped her, she wouldn't be this shocked. It would be more accurate to say she looks like I've stabbed her.

Like concluding the chapter of a book, she forces a smile. "Alright."

It's not alright.

I should leave it at this. She's already so hurt, but I can't let her harbor any feelings for me.

"Cat, I'm sorry if I led you on."