Ainsley did not speak, but she treated the wound more gently. Manuel noticed her serious expression and smiled, "You do care about me, Aisy. You are not as heartless as you say."
Ainsley shook her head. "You are overthinking it. I just think that we are from the same place. I don't want to see you die. Besides, in more than half a month, you will be engaged to Ms. Wade. I know my place and yours. Please don't say such words again."
Manuel's expression changed instantly. He knew that the engagement would be a problem standing in their way. As long as it was not solved, this would never go away.
And the distance between him and Ainsley would only get further and further until they become complete strangers one day.
Manuel could not even stand the possibility.
He had no way to tell people that he loved Ainsley and only wanted to marry her.
But in order to protect her, he had to compromise.