(Darius POV)
I slammed my phone down onto the nightstand, my chest heaving as frustration and hurt battled inside me.
I couldn't believe it.
Ayra's words replayed in my mind, sharp and cold, cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.
"I don't owe you an explanation."
She had said it like it meant nothing. Like all the moments we'd shared, all the time we had spent trying to connect, to build something meaningful—like they meant nothing.
I dragged a hand through my hair, my fingers clenching into my scalp.
I had thought we were making progress, that she had finallyaccepted me, given me a chance, given us a chance.
That maybe, just maybe, we could have a future. A real one. Together.
But now?
Now, I wasn't sure of anything.
A bitter chuckle escaped my lips. I felt like a fool.
Like I had been reaching for something that had never truly been within my grasp.
My chest tightened and I felt suffocated.
I needed air.
