The line went silent for a moment before ending abruptly, leaving behind a trail of tension in the air.

Selina straightened her posture, quickly averting her gaze to mask the triumph flickering in her eyes.

When her eyes met his again, she feigned remorse.

“I'm sorry, Brian. I wasn't seated properly. Did I hurt you?" She stretched her hand, aiming for his sturdy chest.

Yet, Brian intercepted, gripping her wrist firmly.

"Selina, I'm a married man now. I deeply love my wife and intend to spend my life with her."

His eyes, deep as the night sky, held an edge of stern resolve.

Selina's heart plummeted, her eyes clouding with a stubborn refusal to accept the truth.

“No, Brian. You've only known her briefly; there's no Love between you two. I understand you're upset about the past, about the blow to your pride. I can wait, Brian. I can wait until your anger subsides and you find your way back to me."

Brian's demeanor only grew more frosty.

“Selina, was I not clear enough? We're done. Don't foster any more hopes about us. It's better for everyone involved.”

Her eyes welled up, the corners tinged with red. In a fit of desperation, she lunged to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace.

“Brian, I truly Love you. Each memory of our past keeps me awake at night. I refuse to believe that you've simply forgotten our shared past. Please, Brian, don't abandon me."

As her teardrops soaked his collar, a flicker of impatience briefly touched Brian's eyes.

“Selina, let go of me."

"Brian!"

"Don't make me say it twice!" His voice dropped lower, matching the severity of his statement. The scolding tone made Selina freeze before her grip slowly slackened. Her tear-filled eyes pleaded with him, a pitiful sight to behold.

With an icy expression, Brian undid the top two buttons of his shirt, opting to remain silent

The car journeyed on, the air inside it seemingly suspended in time.

Eventually, they reached Debora's house.

Brian swung the door open and exited the vehicle.

Selina scrambled out, rapidly spewing out an apology.