Aria POV

　　The next morning, Isaac, serious and dressed up, caught me off guard. No morning pleasantries, just him, ready for a serious conversation.

　　"Good morning, Aria," Isaac said earnestly. "We need to talk. I care about you and want what's best, but I must be honest. Listen, please."

　　I sat up, trying to wake up fully. Isaac's tone hinted at a serious conversation, skipping the usual morning niceties.

　　"Aria, I'm not backing down from ...