Startled by the abrupt interruption, her words came out hesitantly.

"You should attend the meeting first. We can discuss this later."

Yet, Mitchel refused to release her, his firm grip on her waist unwavering. “Raegan, do you pity me?"

Raegan stood frozen, her soul struck silent as if by a sudden blow.

Was it pity that stirred within her? Could that truly be the case?

In the heavy silence that followed, Mitchel's dark eyes dulled gradually.

"I don't need your pity," Mitchel asserted. He refused to shackle her by his side with her compassion. Matters of the heart demanded more than fleeting emotions or sympathetic gestures. If her feelings were merely born out of pity, he would rather endure a lifetime of suffering than confine her to such a fate.

Mitchel gently steadied Raegan on her feet before firmly instructing, "Go back, please."

With a press of a switch, the wheelchair began its steady retreat from Raegan.

Raegan remained rooted in place, grappling with her thoughts for an eternity, yet unable to grasp why she couldn't deny that it was anything but pity.

Although she knew deep down that her feelings weren't rooted in pity, the words eluded her. Admitting her love for him felt like opening a floodgate of unbearable pain. Her affection for him felt like a regression to times of self-doubt. Her psychological barriers seemed to have resurfaced, imprisoning her in a familiar sense of confinement.

Raegan sank to the ground, embracing herself as tremors wracked her body, seemingly beyond her control.

Summoning her courage, she dialed the psychologist in Swynborough.

"Mae, I'm so scared. It feels like I'm caught in that same vicious cycle again."

Upon grasping the full extent of Raegan's turmoil, the psychologist responded with gentle reassurance, "But do you recall the gestures of love he's shown you?"

As Mae recounted those tender moments, Raegan's mind flooded with cherished memories they had shared.

Mae's voice retained its soothing cadence, enveloping Raegan in a sense of tranquility. As Mae recounted those cherished memories, they seemed to acquire a mystical allure, casting a spell of solace over Raegan's troubled heart.

Raegan's heart swelled with the realization of the multitude of sweet and heartwarming moments she and Mitchel had shared. Mae was right.

Despite the trials they had faced, how could they discount the depth of their connection over mere misunderstandings?

Mae added, “From what you've described, it appears that Mr. Dixon hasn't abandoned hope either. However, he's concerned about your future happiness and wants assurance that your feelings are genuine. If you've come to understand your emotions, express firmly that your love for him is sincere, not rooted in pity, and offer him the reassurance he seeks. Raegan, do you recall what I've mentioned previously? Love has the power to heal all wounds. You will both find solace and growth through it."