Chapter 19

Zara's response was biting and confrontational. Soren had rarely seen this version of her. In the past, she had always been submissive. Later on, she became indifferent and distant. But she had never been this abrasive. He gave a self-deprecating laugh, guessing that this change might have something to do with Immanuel. "Is he worth changing yourself for? You even stayed by the side of someone who doesn't love you and kept up a pretense for so long," Soren commented scathingly. He didn't specify who he was referring to, but they both knew. Silence fell between them. The question had been born out of his own frustration. But now that it hung in the air, Soren found himself dreading her answer. Whether she affirmed or denied it, he realized he couldn't handle either response. If she said yes, how could he ever compete with the memory of Andy, the man who had died protecting her? If she said no, what chance did he—someone who couldn't even compete with the memory of Andy—have against