Chapter 18

Damian forced back his jealousy. Without another second of hesitation, he stepped forward and grabbed Cynthia by the wrist, half-forcibly dragging her toward his car. "Let's go." Cynthia didn't resist, allowing him to shove her into the passenger seat. Inside the car, the atmosphere was so tense it felt suffocating. For once, Damian seemed at a loss as he tried to break the silence. Cynthia, however, kept her head turned toward the window, silently watching the city rush past. Eventually, his voice grew quieter and quieter until a bitter, exhausted laugh escaped him. "Do you really hate me that much, Cynthia? Are you not even willing to give me a single word? One chance?" Cynthia finally reacted. Turning her head slowly, she met his eyes with a calm, unwavering gaze. "Damian, I did give you a chance." Her voice was soft, yet it sounded like the sharpest blade, plunging into his heart. "That day at the hospital, I gave you a chance. I told you that, if you stayed with me at the