Chapter 9

"Please, just love me once," he whispered. "Even if it's only a fraction of what you felt for Bruce. I beg you."

I remained still, my eyes fixed as I answered, "You have no right to speak his name. Bruce was innocent and pure. Someone like you shouldn't even try to compare yourself to him."

Yoder tensed up, his face rigid, before lifting his head from near my neck. To my surprise, tears were streaming down his face.

I was taken aback, suddenly realizing that Yoder wasn't just an unfeeling, smiling statue. He could experience sadness, hatred, and overwhelming grief.

He had presented his so-called "love" when I had nothing left. However, as I sank deeper into despair, he destroyed the delicate bond between us with his own actions.

My fingers gently touched his cheek. "What went through your mind when you were intimate with Cameron?" I inquired quietly.