He had refused her outright, leaving no room for discussion. She had fought with him over it, a huge fight.
After that, he had bought her matcha truffles again, but she never took another bite.
Thinking back on that decision, he was consumed by regret. Meeting Claudia's cold gaze now, York felt himself begin to crumble. The corners of his eyes reddened, and he stood up, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. "If you're not going to eat, let's go," he said to her.
They left the restaurant, both of their faces grim. The weekend they were supposed to spend together peacefully had been spent in one tense silence after another.
They stood on the sidewalk by the road, York just staring at Claudia. In that moment, he finally understood. It was impossible for them to be together like a normal couple anymore.
"Let's go home and get some rest," Claudia said. "We have to be at city hall early tomorrow."
As she turned to walk away, York lost control and pulled her into a hug. The streetlight stretched their shadows long on the pavement. He held her tight, unwilling to let go. He buried his face in her shoulder, closing his eyes to hide the panic he felt.
"Walk with me a little longer," he pleaded.
Unable to break free, Claudia had no choice but to agree.
They found themselves on a bustling street in the city's night market. Claudia let York hold her hand as they walked.
He moved slowly, but her steps were quick. She remembered how it used to be the other way around. York's legs were long, and he walked fast. She would often have to jog to keep up, constantly reminding him to slow down. Now, he had finally slowed down for her, but all she wanted was to reach the end of the road.
They had walked this street countless times since they were children. She knew many of the vendors here.
York stopped at a small stall. He looked down at her. "Do you want me to buy you a couple of hair ties?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase!