Late at night, in the countryside.
Even holding Claudia tight, York felt a bone-deep chill.
The pain of losing her again was driving him mad.
He fought to suppress his emotions, forcing himself to let her go.
He hunched over slightly, staring blankly at her.
With a trembling lip and bloodshot eyes, he managed to force the words out.
“Claudia, don’t cry. I’ll respect your decision.”
He would agree to whatever she said.
He had no other choice.
Returning to the role of a childhood friend.
At least she would still be in his life. He would still have a chance to see her.
At least he would still have a reason to stand by her side.
He would spend a lifetime proving it.
That he truly knew he was wrong.
That he loved her.
“As long as you’re happy,” York promised her, “I’m willing to do anything.”
Claudia’s crying slowly subsided, and the tension in her body gradually eased.
This time, she chose to believe him.
In the gentlest tone she could manage, she said, “York, I sincerely hope we can all live well this time. All of us.”
York pressed his lips together tightly and, with all his strength, managed a single, “Okay.”
They looked at each other and shared a smile.
But behind their smiles, different emotions churned, while the same tears shimmered in their eyes.
Two hours later, York drove Claudia safely to her front door.
Claudia unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to him. “York, drive carefully on your way back. Be safe.”

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