Alexander’s POV

“E–even earlier?” She stutters, wisely evading mentioning his name.

My chest tightens; air slowly escapes my lungs, but I nod. For the first time, our age difference stares me in the face, plaguing me for a moment.

“I’d have probably just been there for you like a big brother, buying you candies and dolls,” I utter the first nonsense that comes to my head.

Her eyes stretch for a second before she blinks repeatedly.

“No,” she shatters my hope, shaking her head ...