Chapter 31

Dashiell swallowed, a lump forming in his throat. ‘You’re not crazy, Selene. Not for wanting this, for wanting us.’ ‘Well, if you want the ring back, I understand. I mean, I technically said yes under false pretences, right?’ His anger flared, hot and protective. ‘Is that what you think of me?’ he snapped. ‘That I’d walk away now, in the face of this?’ Selene started, caught off guard by his sudden outburst. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… unfair. To tie you down to this mess, to a girl with a ticking clock and a future that’s, well, uncertain at best. I can’t give you the “happily ever after” fairy tale, Dashiell…’ She choked back a sob. ‘And I just… I don’t want to let you go. I had this whole week planned, you know? Just us. Strolling down the bridge to watch the bay shimmer, catching a ferry ride, hiking El Mirador hand-in-hand. And then…’ Her smile faded. ‘Then I’d disappear, start my treatments. I even fantasised about a fight, a silly one, where I’d throw the ring in you