MICAH

Her words hit me, and my chest constricted.

Scarlett is rejecting me? Suddenly?

For a second, I didn’t speak. I just narrowed my eyes on her in disbelief, waiting for her to deny she ever said that. But Scarlett doesn’t seem ready to utter any more words.

Eventually, I was forced to speak up, my voice hoarse.

“What if I say I’m not accepting your rejection?”

“Why won’t you?” She frowned deeply, her tone harsh and brutal.

“Because I know you have to be ...