CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE – HER CHOICE

The next day, Jasmine arrived at the bistro early, determined to speak with Marco before the lunch rush. She found him in the kitchen, prepping for the day. "Marco," she called softly, "can we talk?" Marco looked up, his expression guarded. "Of course. What is it?" Jasmine took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about what you said, about choosing. And I realized something. I'm not ready to choose, Marco. Not you, not Harwood, not anyone." Marco's face fell, but Jasmine pressed on. "I care about you, Marco. So much. But I'm still figuring out who I am and what I want. It wouldn't be fair to you or to me to rush into something I'm not sure about." Marco was quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I understand. I don't like it, but I understand." Jasmine reached out, taking his hand. "I'm not saying never, Marco. I'm just saying not right now. Can you give me time?" Marco squeezed her hand, a small smile breaking through his disappointment. "For you? All the time you need." Jasm