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CHAPTER 118
~Valerie's POV~
I didn't answer Dristan, nor apologise, explain, or make excuses.
I just walked past.
But my heart pounded so loud I couldn't ignore it—not even after he was gone.
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~Dristan's POV~
Ever since I'd watched Valerie disappear down that path without a word, I hadn't been able to settle.
Not once.
I paced the length of my room for the tenth time that hour, the wood creaking under my bare feet. The air felt heavy, too thick, like I was choking on silence.
I hadn't even bothered with a full shirt—just joggers and a sleeveless black singlet clung to my skin, sweat clinging to my neck, but I didn't stop moving.
Am I not doing enough?
The question echoed again and again, and I hated that I didn't have an answer. I'd shown her my interest.
I'd spoken—not just hinted, not like some of the others. I'd told her what I felt, declared it. Loudly. In front of others.
And still… she walked away.