Aliyah's POV

He blinked. “You don’t understand—”

“I don’t want to understand.” My throat ached, but I forced the words out. “Whatever Cohen said, whatever stories he’s trying to spread—it doesn’t matter. Not to me. I don’t believe in curses.”

His gaze softened, but I turned away before it could sink into me.

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” I added, my voice quieter now. “We’re not in a relationship, Asher, you don’t need to clear anything up with ...