the shift of how upset she'd been to what she feels now is almost ironic. she knows she was upset, she knows she'd never been that angry, she remembers how horrible it felt to keep planning a wedding without her best friend by her side yet it all feels as if they were emotions that belonged to someone else because all ximena feels as he stands before her is gratitude. those two words would have sufficed, quite frankly she's sure it was all she needed but he keeps talking and it's as bricks hit her stomach.
she opens her mouth to protest but no sound comes out. she doesn't quite know what to say except blink at him with uncertainty radiating from her gaze. her love for peter. something that no longer feels as familiar but rather this strange concept that she's trying to understand, the meaning behind love and being in love. she knows she feels the former for her fiance but it's the later that's become tricky. eventually, she shakes her head at him, taking a step back as she tries to maintain her composure.
"kaan, please, not this again," she whispers.
he's acutely aware that he's testing boundaries. kaan should possess the wisdom to steer clear of ximena's doorstep, abstaining from dissuading her from proceeding with her wedding. a ceremony he had initially pledged to assist her with, now consumed by thoughts of halting it altogether. it might be an immature and self-indulgent impulse, but isn't that what love often entails?
a surge of panic courses through him the moment she swings the door open. he finds himself rendered speechless, grappling with the decision to either be candid or to offer a shallow apology and depart. the emotion emanating from her is palpable—anger, or perhaps a profound disappointment? it's become a blur to him. he pauses for a moment, contemplating the most prudent course of action. perhaps it's best to let her proceed, but what if she harbors the same reservations? what if she feels the same way?
"i understand, and i'm genuinely sorry, but i can't stand by and watch you marry him," he begins, exhaling deeply. "at least not without us having a conversation. if, after this discussion, you still choose him, then i'll respect your decision."











