"I'm sorry, Jake. I don't think we can stay together."
Jake turned eerily calm and expressionless upon hearing her apology, followed by an unexpected declaration. Brushing off Lucia's gentle touch on his cheek with stoic resolve, he said flatly,
"I hope you realize what you're saying, Lucia. Because once we're done, there's no turning back."
He couldn't help but feel a flicker of anger. She had been so bold, nearly forceful, pushing him to face his emotions and insecurities, and now, as he was barely getting used to the idea, she wanted to call it quits?
Lucia's face filled with panic as she watched his warmth turn icy, aware that it wasn't like him. Seeing him so hurt and cold towards her was a first, and her chest tightened, aware that one misstep could erase her from his heart forever.
"It... it's not what you think." Lucia stammered, struggling to mend the situation, but the more she tried to explain, the more her eyes welled up with tears.