Such an oversight wouldn't be expected from Matteo, nor was it something Raegan would take at face value. The cause of the incident was nearly clear.

As Raegan collected herself, she turned to find Mitchel silently observing her from behind. This unexpected sight made her jump.

Mitchel smirked and asked, "Thinking of jumping down from here?"

Raegan turned her head and noticed the balcony railing was under repair. She had been so absorbed in her phone call that she had missed the warning signs and had wandered into a perilous spot. A single misstep could have sent her plummeting from the mall's sixth floor.

Yet, Mitchel dropped that comment and strolled off as if her safety meant nothing to him.

Raegan refused to accept that notion. "Mitchel." She quickened her pace to catch up with him.

When Mitchel didn't stop, Raegan extended her hand to stop him.

Sensing her movement, Mitchel dodged just in time, causing Raegan nearly lost her balance. She managed to clutch onto a nearby pillar.

Raegan withdrew her hand and, facing his detached look, forced a small smile. "Did you just show concern for me?"

Pointing at the compromised railing, she asked, "Were you worried I might fall?"

Mitchel shot Raegan a derisive look. Before he could part his Lips to speak, Raegan placed her hand over his mouth. "Don't speak," she insisted firmly. "I know you still care about me.

With a blank stare, Mitchel asked, "Did you wash your hands?"

Raegan almost lost her cool at his words.

Repulsed, Mitchel made his way to a sink, cupping water to rinse his face.

Raegan trailed after him, calling out, "I'm not giving up. I'll be here waiting until you're ready to talk to me."

Mitchel remained silent.

Raegan's spirits rose as she made her way out. The confusion lingered, but so did the undeniable sense that their love remained unblemished.

Their history was rich and filled with joy, partings, losses, and reunions, mirroring the full spectrum of life. Countless were the moments when Mitchel had put everything on the line for her, even at the risk of his own life.

The depth of their connection, Raegan was convinced, wasn't something that could be simply switched off. Reacting impulsively to his seemingly indifference and abandoning him would be the real act of unkindness. Thus, her willingness to stand and fight for their love was ironclad.

No matter what lay ahead, Raegan was determined to honor their former love and hold onto a life without regrets; that, to her, was paramount.