Chapter 35

"Are you suggesting that I'm having sex with other women in reality as well?"

His question hung in the air, heavy with accusation.

My response came out sharper than I intended, "Who knows?"

The bitterness in my voice surprised even me. He sighed deeply, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of regret.

"I'm aware that I shattered your trust in the past," he admitted, his voice soft yet earnest.

"But I'm sincerely hoping for a chance to rebuild it. Nathalie, I'm being completely honest with you. The last time I was intimate with anyone... it was with you."

I attempted to mask my astonishment with a scoff. "Really, Steven? Who are you trying to convince?"

"I'm not trying to deceive you. It's the truth," he insisted, his gaze steady and sincere.

"Fine, believe what you want," I retorted dismissively, leaving the statement to linger between us, a testament to the distance that had grown.

I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest as I faced Steven.

The air between us was thick