Chapter 232

Mini shook her head slowly. “It’s too sudden, Arden,” she said, her voice quiet but steady. “People don’t change overnight. Not like this.” “It’s not overnight,” Arden said urgently. “It’s been building, I just—” She cut him off gently. “You’ve slept with women before me. This wasn’t special to you… not until I started pulling away.” Her lips trembled. “I don’t want to be another story for you. Another woman you remember only when she’s gone.” “That’s not what this is.” Mini’s eyes welled, but she stood firm. “But that’s what it feels like.” She took a shaky breath and stepped back. “I’m sorry, Arden. I can’t do this. I can’t afford to hope, and then watch it die. If that happens again, I won’t be able to put myself back together.” Arden looked like he’d been punched in the gut. He reached for her, but she pulled away. “I need to go,” she said. Elayna quietly walked over. There was no need for words—her eyes said everything: Are you sure? Mini nodded. Her heart pounded so loudly she wa