Chapter 70

But… After everything she’d been through, Sloane didn’t think she was capable of loving anyone again. Her marriage had already broken something inside her. The last thing she wanted was to step into another emotional grave. “I’m sorry, Ethan,” she said softly, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “I don’t feel that way about you. If I gave you the wrong impression while we worked together, I’ll make sure to keep my distance from now on.” Ethan didn’t look angry. In fact, he smiled, gentle as ever. “I know you don’t have those feelings for me right now,” he said calmly. “But that’s okay. I just needed to be honest with you.” He stepped closer, voice low and earnest. “I’m not giving up, Sloane. I’ll show you what real love feels like, patient, steady, and new. I’ll help you walk out of that pain, and when you’re ready, we’ll build something better together.” He smiled again, almost too softly. “I know your dreams, your research goals, the way your heart works. You deserve someone who unders