Chapter 233

Mini’s throat tightened. She didn’t trust herself to speak, so she stayed still, watching him. Arden took a slow breath, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as he stood a few feet away from her. “The day you left,” he began, voice quieter now, “I was late because I went to end the engagement properly. Face to face. I thought I could do it quickly, but her parents…my parents, they made a scene. Threatened my company. I had to deal with all of it first. I didn’t want to show up to you half-finished.” Mini blinked. “Half-finished?” “I didn’t want to stand in front of you and say I might be free,” he said. “I wanted to be able to say I am. That I was ready to give everything to you.” Mini looked away. The ache in her chest bloomed again, sharp and familiar. “I emailed you,” he said. “Tried texting. Called. But everything bounced back. You cut me off, Mini.” “I had to,” she said, finally meeting his eyes. “I had to protect myself. You don’t know what it felt like to stand there, hoping.