Give us a chance.

Nathaniel didn't like Zara's words. The idea of her not wanting to see him, of her wanting to walk away from everything they had, ripped through him like a blade.

Her rejection cut him deep, leaving him breathless. The thought of losing her felt unbearable, like someone tightening a noose around his chest.

'No. She is mine. She can only be mine. I will never let you go.'

His first instinct was to snap back, to shout, to demand she take it back. But he forced the anger down, burying it beneath a strained calm.

"You want to focus on your career? Fine. I'll support you. Go back to work. I have no problem with that. But don't ever say you don't want to see me again. Your fate is tied to mine now. There is no escaping me."

Zara stiffened, her fingers tightening around the bowl. She held back the rising frustration. Then she let out a shaky breath, trying to stay composed.