Chapter 101 The timely save

Stacy stood like a statue, her heart pounding so loud she was sure Gao Leng could hear it. His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his confession.

Every nerve in her body screamed for her to turn and face him, to acknowledge his vulnerability, but she couldn't bring herself to move. Why now? Why here?

She had imagined this scenario countless times, rehearsed her lines in the mirror, crafted the perfect rejection that would spare his feelings while firmly establishing her boundaries.

But nothing could have prepared her for the reality of this moment, for the raw sincerity in Gao Leng's voice as he poured out his feelings for her.

As Gao Leng stood and approached her, his hand outstretched, she felt a surge of panic. She wasn't ready for this, not now, not ever.

But before she could gather her thoughts, his words washed over her like a tidal wave, drowning out her doubts and insecurities.