Yes. Elena knows now."
The words landed between us like a final verdict.
I crossed my arms, my tone turning colder, more decisive. "Look, Aaron… it's time you go back to Chicago. You're only making things worse with these… childish stunts."
He was on his feet instantly.
"Not without you," he shot back, his voice rough but resolute. "And not without my child."
The words hit harder than they should have.
His gaze lingered on me, searching like he was trying to find something that used to be there.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," he added, softer now, regret threading through his tone. "I didn't mean to make things harder for you. I just—" He stopped himself, jaw tightening. "I just don't know how to let you go."
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in my chest.
But it was gone just as quickly.
"Then learn," I replied flatly.
He flinched.
Subtle. But there.
He turned toward the door, his hand wrapping around the handle.
"Wait."
