Raegan stood, stunned by his response.
As her emotions settled, she realized his gaze upon her held a hint of derision, as though she were some lunatic.
Yet, he made no move to resist as she embraced him.
His lips twisted with a trace of disdain.
âThereâs a certain allure to beauty illuminated by Lamplight.
If you wish to hear something, I can oblige.
â
Though Raegan attempted to speak, her lips felt as if they were sealed shut, rendering her voiceless.
Mitchelâs gaze at Raegan seemed to suggest she was unhinged.
He spoke casually.
âMy mother is still recovering from illness.
I simply pushed the child aside without much thought.
I hadnât anticipated such a convoluted emotional entanglement from your end.
Itâs a pity youâre not a writer.
â
Mitchelâs gaze felt like a sharp knife, cutting through Raeganâs consciousness, leaving her trembling fingertips tightly clutching her shirt.
âThe embrace is even more absurd.
I did embrace someone, but it was plain for anyone to see whom I embraced.
â Mitchelâs intense, dark gaze swept over Raegan briefly, and he remarked casually, âYou appear unwell.
Did you have a restless night, imagining things?â
Though it seemed like a gesture of concern, it was actually more of an insinuation that Raeganâs mental state was unstable and she might be experiencing hallucinations.
Mitchel carefully disengaged Raeganâs tightly gripped hand from around his waist, applying pressure that caused her discomfort and pain.
Then, he said word by word, his words humiliating, âMiss Foster, emotions can be fresh and expired.
Is it truly so challenging to end a relationship respectfully without causing distress to others?â
Raeganâs hand throbbed with pain from being pried away, and her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.
Part of her urged resilience, pushing her to try to see things from Mitchelâs perspective.
Maybe what he was going through was even more challenging and incomprehensible than her own struggles.
âs BunnyBookery Yet, doubts gnawed at her, whispering that if his love had faded, she should accept it without misunderstanding or becoming a source of ridicule or burden to others.
In the end, Raegan resolved to summon courage once more, clinging to hope like a drowning person clutching at a lone straw.
She refused to give up easily.
As Mitchel was poised to enter the car, Raegan seized his arm and spoke with unwavering determination.
âMitchel, I want you to swear to the Gods that you mean every word you say to me.
â
A flicker of impatience crossed Mitchelâs eyes, suggesting he found her approach immature.
Raegan acknowledged her own childishness, yet she believed this to be the most direct path to clarity.
âSwear that you truly no Longer love me.
If itâs a falsehoodâ¦â
Her gaze met Mitchelâs cold, unfeeling countenance, and she pronounced each word deliberately.
âThen Iâll rot in hell!â
The curse carried a sharp edge.
Understanding Mitchel deeply, Raegan believed this tactic would compel him to reveal his true emotions.
She held his gaze unwaveringly, unwilling to miss any nuance or hint.
âOnce you swear, Iâll never trouble you again.
â
Mitchel pursed his lips tightly and fell into silence.
Despite having wounded her with words moments ago, he now found himself unable to speak.
Raegan sensed a glimmer of hope.
Clutching his arm tightly and keeping her gaze locked on his face, she repeated, âMitchel, just swear!â
Mitchel remained unresponsive, his expression unchanged and devoid of emotion.
In contrast to his calm demeanor, Raeganâs persistence verged on desperation.
She continued to grip his arm, pushing him relentlessly.
âMitchel, swear!â
She didnât want to become the person who forced herself upon others.