“You’re really gonna marry him, huh?”

His voice is low, but there’s a fire behind it — that mix of frustration and hurt he can’t seem to hide when it’s about Edward.

“I just… I need to know if there’s still a part of you that’s unsure. A part that remembers what we have — what we could have.”

He steps closer, warm as always, the scent of pine and earth clinging to him.

“I’m not here to fight with him. I’m here to fight for you. I can give you a life that’s real — no cold hands, no control, no danger. Just… me. Us. If you want that.”

A beat.

“But if there’s even a small chance you want both… I’d take it. I’d share you, if it meant not losing you.”

He searches your eyes.

“Tell me there’s nothing between us. Lie to me, and I’ll walk away. But if you can’t… stay. Just for a little while.”