CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX - A SECONF OFFER

John's words hung heavy in the air, the vulnerability raw and exposed. His confession tugged at the strings of Karina's heart. Without thinking, she leaned forward, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was both desperate and tender. As she pulled away, a flicker of hope danced in her eyes. "John," she whispered, her voice trembling. "We can work through this. Together." John didn't respond. His eyes, filled with a storm of emotions, seemed to be searching for something beyond her words. Before she could decipher his expression, she found herself drawn back to him, her lips finding his again in a kiss that was fierce and demanding. "No," a choked whisper escaped his lips, barely audible against her mouth. But his body betrayed his words, his hand gripping her arm with a strength that belied his exhaustion. Frustration bubbled within Karina. She pulled away, her eyes blazing. "Stop limiting yourself, John!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mixture of anger and hurt. "Don't shut m