Chapter 207

Steven could sense she might take it the wrong way, so he rushed to explain. "Yeah, I go every year to the business summit in Westbrook on behalf of the New Amberton Chamber of Commerce." He was one of New Amberton's most respected representatives, and attending the annual Westbrook conference was just part of the job. But this year, things were... different.

She gave him a flat look. "A summit, huh? Or are you just looking for an excuse to see her?"

That question hit him right in the chest. Steven forced himself to stay calm, speaking gently. "You're reading too much into this. You can come with me if you want. Westbrook has the best orthopedic hospital in the region. We could get your leg checked out while we're there. Maybe they can actually help. Who knows— you might not need the wheelchair anymore."

Bria's eyes clouded over, pain flickering in her gaze. "So, you're still embarrassed by my disability. That's what this is about, isn't it?"

Steven felt his mind spin. Lately, she was so sensitive, so hard to reach. He just wanted to help, but no matter what he said, she always seemed to think he was ashamed of her.

"Bria, why would you even think that? If I was embarrassed by you, do you really think I'd still be here?"

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. "So you regret it then? You feel trapped?" She paused, her voice trembling. "Steven, I've told you before, you don't need to pity me or force yourself to stay. If you don't love me anymore, just say it. I'd rather be alone than live with a lie."

Steven felt a heavy, tired ache settle in his chest. No matter how hard he tried to comfort her, it only seemed to get harder. He was exhausted, honestly.

But then he'd catch sight of her missing hand, the scars on her face, and the memories would come rushing back-Bria, throwing herself in front of him, taking knife after knife meant for him. That scene haunted him, filling him with guilt and pain every time it played in his mind. How could he ever not forgive her for everything? How could he not stay?

"Bria, can we not do this?" he pleaded softly. "It's getting so hard to talk to you lately. I'm scared to upset you. I just want you to know-you're the most important person in my life. I'd let down the whole world before I ever let you down."

She looked even more hurt. "So now I'm just the most important person? Not the one you love the most?"

Steven gazed at her, his eyes full of helplessness and love. "I love you, Bria. I do. You're the one I love most. That's never going to change."

Tears slid down her cheeks. Deep down, she knew his love had shifted. Maybe it wasn't like before. But even so, she desperately wanted to hear him say he loved her.

"Bria, can't we just be happy together?" he asked. "You're overthinking everything and it's wearing us both out. Can't we just go back to being a normal couple, grow old together? Wouldn't that be enough?"

She let out a shaky breath. "Yeah. That would be nice."

He pulled her into a hug, holding her tight. "I just want you to be happy," he whispered, sadness thick in his voice. "I'll do everything I can to make sure of it."

"Steven, just hearing that makes me happy already."

"Good. I'll have someone pack our bags. You'll come with me to

Vol

Westbrook. The hotel over there

opening

you can

onandheck it

out while we're there."

"...Okay."

"I'll get everything ready."

Bria nodded. "Alright."

She hesitated, then looked at him hopefully. "By the way, Cody hasn't visited in

days. Can you bring him over tomorrow? I really miss him."

Steven's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Bria, let's wait until we're back from Westbrook. I'll bring Cody over then."

"Why not now?"

"He's just started piano lessons. I don't want him getting distracted."

Last time, she'd put Cody up on the pedestrian bridge railing and it

scared them both half to death. them

After that, Cody refused to go back to Rose Manor bursting into tears every time steven suggested it Now even Steven's mom knew what had happened, so she kept a close eye on Cody and wouldn't let Steven take him anywhere alone.

"But I really miss him," Bria said quietly.

Steven gently pulled her close. "Don't worry. My mom's taking great care of him. Right now, let's just focus on Westbrook and your treatment."

"...Alright."

"Make sure to pack warm clothes. It's probably going to snow in Westbrook next month."

She looked at him with hopeful eyes. "Steven, will you stay with me tonight?"

Steven felt a wave of guilt and

dread. He managed an awkward smile. "Brja, I need to go home and pack, and I still have to finish my speech f for the summit really can't stay tonight. But I promise, when we get back from Westbrook, I move in and stay with you."

The hope faded from her eyes. "Okay. Whatever you say."

"Try not to overthink things. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, I'll take you to pick

out a wedding ring. I want you to choose the one you like best."