Chapter 552
Steven stood in front of the door.
At six feet and two inches tall, he had to look down slightly to meet Annie’s eyes. As Annie looked up at Steven, she suddenly felt distant.
This sense of alienation left her standing at the door. It was as if her feet were glued to the floor. She couldn’t lift them to step inside.
It was.a completely different feeling from when she saw him that afternoon.
When he saw her that afternoon, Steven’s eyes shone brightly. It was the kind of light one has when looking at a beloved–firm and full of strength.
It was as if he could give her the whole world and shield her from harm, keeping her safe under his care. Even though his strength might not be that great, he would use all his power to keep her safe.
But now, Steven’s eyes held only a faint coldness as he looked down at Annie. There was no trace of the affection she had seen earlier.
Annie’s heart tightened, and she spoke with a strained voice, “Steven.” Steven glanced outside and replied in a low voice, “Come in, let’s talk.” “Okay.” Annie walked in with heavy steps. She sat down on the couch. The comfort of the couch did little to dispel the cold she felt inside.
“Why did you come to find me?” Steven asked.
Annie’s heart skipped a beat. “You don’t trust me anymore, do you?”
“I do like you genuinely, Annie, but you shouldn’t deceive me. I may not like using manipulation on people around me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t understand it,” Steven said calmly.
Annie’s heart pounded as she listened. She felt her eyes welling up with tears. She couldn’t stay seated on the couch any longer.
She stood up abruptly. She explained, “No, Steven, it’s not like that. There have been misunderstandings, but what I’ve told you is true. I know there’s been a profound misunderstanding between Skylar and me. I understand Skylar’s doubts about me.
“But Steven, since we committed to this relationship, you said the key to lasting is mutual trust. So why are you suddenly doubting me?”
“I did say those words, but I also said there shouldn’t be lies between two people. Annie, everything you’ve said so far still seems self–serving and full of deceit. I understand why you approached me.” Steven’s words were powerful.
Chapter 552
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His words weren’t heated. Even his demeanor remained calm.
Yet every word struck Annie’s heart like a blow. Annie looked at Steven in confusion, her facé turning pale. “What did Skylar say to you that made you believe her so unquestioningly?”
She couldn’t understand it. She had taken the initiative. She had come to see Steven early.
Besides, she had admitted to certain things first. This approach should have made Steven trust her first and then question Skylar.
Annie couldn’t believe he would trust Skylar’s words instead of hers.
“When you ask the question, it shows you’re feeling guilty. Annie, you’re someone I’ve genuinely liked. But some things don’t need to end messily. Let’s part amicably,” Steven stated. He proposed a breakup with Annie.
Annie staggered, nearly falling over. She looked at Steven in disbelief. “What did you say? Break up?”
“There’s no need for us to see each other again.” Steven’s voice remained cold and resolute.
The more composed he was, the more he understood the distance that had grown between him and Annie during their recent interactions.
Initially, he had mistaken this distance for a woman’s reserve or simply the dynamics of a boyfriend–girlfriend relationship,.or perhaps it was because his sense of security for Annie wasn’t sufficient.
Today, after learning some truths, he was suddenly clear. It was because he was merely a means to an end for her.
Annie’s heart raced, and she instinctively grabbed Steven’s arm.