They looked at each other, and York could clearly see the despair and sorrow in Claudia's eyes.
A dull ache suddenly pierced his heart. He stepped forward and took both of her hands.
"Claudia, I admit it," he said. "When Ann first came back, I was swept up in the emotion of our reunion. She and the boy were sick, and I was looking after them day and night. She said I owed her a public post, so I made one for her to see. But I deleted it after just one minute. I hid it from you because I didn't want you to overthink things."
York continued, "I've stayed out all night since she returned, but I have never slept with her. Not then, not now, not ever."
During his junior year of college, he had been kidnapped. Ann had saved him, disregarding her own safety.
Later, she pursued him, and he agreed to give dating a try.
As they spent time together, he found her to be upright, innocent, kind, and brave.
With him, she was always gentle and accommodating, catering to his every wish.
He had developed strong feelings for her and had seriously considered marrying her.
But three years ago, the moment he decided to marry Claudia, he had let go of those feelings for Ann completely.
Life was about more than just one thing.
He was not a man ruled by his emotions.
Claudia's face was numb as she stared into York's eyes. "True love is about giving, not possessing. This only proves that you love Ann more than you even realize."
York's hands slid from her arms up to her shoulders, his grip firm.
He was silent for a long moment.
"Claudia, must you see it that way?" he finally asked.
"Then tell me," she challenged, "have you ever loved me? Even for a single minute?"
The room fell silent.

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