Chapter Ninety-six

The weight of Chloe's decision bore down on her as she stood there, her heart heavy with regret. Aiden's retreating figure seemed to carry away her hopes and dreams, leaving her feeling empty and lost. The realization of what she had done hit her like a tidal wave, crashing against the shores of her conscience.

Her eyes welled up with tears as she watched Aiden disappear into the distance. The love of her life slipping away, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand. How had it come to this? How had she allowed herself to jeopardize everything she held dear?

As Chloe wrestled with her emotions, Liam approached her, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow. The air around them was heavy with a mixture of guilt, longing, and uncertainty. He reached out to her, a gentle touch that sought to offer solace in a time of turmoil.

"Are you okay?" Liam asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Chloe lifted her gaze, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. "No, I'm not okay," she confes