Kevin instinctively stepped in front of me, his protective stance shielding me from Joseph's approach.
"No!" Kevin's voice rang out sharply, but Joseph seemed oblivious to his protest, his gaze fixed solely on me as if silently pleading. I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did he want from me?
"A-Arianne." Was it my imagination, or did Joseph's voice carry a tone of desperation as he uttered my name?
"Go away, Joseph!" Kevin's tone was laced with anger as he snapped at him. His grip on my hand tightened, his eyes imploring me not to follow Joseph, but I had no intention of doing so. "Arianne, don't."
I knew Kevin was right. He only wanted to keep me safe. But the man standing before us—the man I had known for so long—seemed like a stranger. This wasn't the Joseph I knew. The usual confidence he exuded was replaced by vulnerability. I couldn't comprehend why. Seeing him like this, so fragile, pierced my heart in ways I couldn't explain.