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"Doesn't this just show how much I care? Why else would I have fallen for an impersonator?"

"I've searched for you for 16 years. Sixteen! You can't imagine the pain I felt when I discovered you were Kiana.

"Kiana, if you want to leave that name behind, that's okay. Be Leslie. Be my Leslie.

"Let's begin anew. I beg you."

Denver's eyes glistened with unshed tears he'd held back for years.

No matter how tough things got, Denver had always remained composed.

But now, facing Leslie, who regarded him as a stranger, he felt his heart might shatter.

Leslie remained unmoved. After a lengthy pause, she stated, "You're not foolish. You're oblivious."

Denver paused before chuckling darkly. "You're correct. I was oblivious. Too blind to recognize it was you.

"If you despise me, shout at me. Strike me. Punish me as you see fit.

"Just... return to me. I implore you."

Leslie sneered. "No."