CHAPTER TWENTY - A RING BURIED IN DOUBT

Emma stared out the window, watching raindrops race down the glass. The storm outside mirrored the tumult in her heart. Marcus stood behind her, his reflection a ghostly presence in the darkened pane. "We can't keep doing this, Marcus," Emma said, her voice barely audible over the rumbling thunder. Marcus took a step closer. "Doing what, Emma? Trying to fix what we had?" She turned to face him, green eyes flashing. "No, this... this dance. One step forward, two steps back. It's exhausting." "I know it is," Marcus admitted, running a hand through his dark hair. "But isn't it worth it? Aren't we worth it?" Emma let out a bitter laugh. "Are we? Sometimes I wonder if we're just prolonging the inevitable." Lightning illuminated the room, casting harsh shadows across Marcus's face. "Don't say that. Please." "Why not? It's the truth, isn't it?" Emma's voice rose. "We keep having the same arguments, the same discussions about trust. Nothing changes!" Marcus moved closer, his blue eyes