Chapter 10 Starting Over

I looked into Jared's eyes and saw only genuine sincerity. He'd been pursuing me for months, and it was clear that he truly cared. Maybe in the past, I would have been open to giving us a chance. But now, my heart was calm and still, like a lake untouched by even the faintest breeze. "Mr. Porter, I'm not ready for a relationship." I was happy with my life the way it was. I wasn't ready to let anyone become such a big part of it. Jared sighed. There was a flicker of frustration in his voice. "You're shutting yourself off because you haven't moved on from your last relationship." "Maybe," I confessed. There was no denying it. Micah's betrayal had left a deep, lingering wound. Jared reached out, brushing my hair aside. "It's okay. I've waited for years. Waiting a little longer won't make a difference," he whispered. Just as I was about to speak, his hand was suddenly pushed away. Before I could fully grasp what was happening, Micah and Jared were locked in a fierce fight. Piper