CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE - The Breaking Point

Claire sighed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "That's just it, Mason. I don't know if this can be fixed. We've both changed so much since we moved here. Maybe we've grown apart." The words hung in the air between them, heavy with finality. Mason felt a cold dread creeping into his chest. "Are you... are you saying you want to break up?" Claire looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I'm saying I don't know what I want anymore. And I think maybe you don't either." Mason reached for her hand, but she gently pulled away. "Claire, please. I love you. We can work through this." Claire stood up, wrapping her arms around herself as if warding off a chill. "I think we both need more time, Mason. Time to figure out what we really want and if our paths still align." Mason felt as if the ground was crumbling beneath him. He stood up, desperate to keep Claire from slipping away. "How much time? What can I do to show you that you're my priority?" Claire shook her head, taking a step ba