CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE: One More Chance?

My heart pounds with exhilaration, but I have to take control.

I push myself away from Marius, breathless. Marius attempts to slam his lips onto mine again, but I step back, jerking my face away.

“No,” I say firmly. “You need to handle your situation with Nicole first. I’ll try to wait for you, but only when you’re truly ready.”

Marius' face falls, his eyes filled with anguish. “But I can’t live another day without you and Sammy by my side.”

My heart twists at his words, but I can’t give in. “I’m done living a stressful life. I won’t let you into my life again unless you settle your personal issues.”

As I hop into the driver seat of my car, I glance back at Marius, who’s now staring blankly at a distant point, pacing back and forth.

A sudden wave of fear crashes over me, bringing back the memory of the last time I left him like this—Marius was in a car accident, almost losing his life.

I can’t let that happen again!

Taking a deep breath, I call out, “Marius, let me give you a