Chapter 7

Darren's fingers turned white as he gripped his cup tightly. His gaze was burning with sincerity as he pleaded, "Cassie, please give me one more chance." It reminded me of that time in high school when he sat behind me and poked my shoulder with his pen, asking if he could be my boyfriend. Amid the noisy classroom, the young boy's earnest face and determined eyes somehow made me say yes. I took a sip of my drink and said calmly, "You know how much I had dreamed of our future, but time and again, you made me your backup plan. What were you thinking?" "Cassie, you know Lily has psychological issues. I'm her only family," he replied, sounding exasperated. "Can't you understand my position?" Even now, Darren was asking for my understanding, always protecting his own interests. I asked, "Darren, do you truly love me, or have you just grown used to my care and tolerance over the years? Everything will be better with time. "Our problem isn't just about Lily. It's about your indecision