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Chapter 75: All in or Nothing

last update Last Updated: 2025-01-29 17:28:12

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as Maximilian stands across from me. His gaze is unwavering, but I can see the unease hidden beneath his composed exterior.

I swallow, my throat dry, trying to find the right words.

“We need to talk,” I say, the words coming out softer than I intend, but they carry the weight of everything I’m feeling.

He stiffens but doesn’t move, his jaw clenched. “I know.”

His response is brief, but I can tell that he’s been expecting this moment. And honestly, so have I. We’ve both been dancing around the truth for far too long.

“Maximilian,” I start, taking a tentative step forward, “I need to know if this—if we—are worth it. Worth the risk. Worth the sacrifice.”

He remains silent, his expression unreadable. I feel like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, every word I speak pushing me closer to the abyss.

“I don’t want to live like this anymore,” I continue, my voice shaking now, the vulnerability leaking through. “I don’t want to keep pretending like eve
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