Page 85 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

I stepped aside. "Come in."

Chris walked in, his gaze sweeping the living room before landing back on me.

He took a deep breath. Like he'd made some major decision.

"Anna," he said, his voice heavy with weight, "I'm transferring to the San Francisco headquarters next week. The order came down last week."

I froze.

A strange emptiness opened in my chest.

Chris had been my only friend these past five years. He'd helped me so much, watched Alex grow up. He was part of our lives now. And suddenly he was leaving. It hurt.

I held the roses close, forced a smile. "That's so sudden."

Chris sat on the edge of the couch, leaning forward slightly, eyes locked on my face.

"I didn't tell you sooner because I was afraid if I did, I wouldn't be able to leave."

My heart skipped.

I knew what was coming.

He pulled a velvet box from his pocket. Opened it. Inside, a simple diamond ring.

Small. But bright.

"Anna, I've liked you for a long time. Since the first day you came to the school. I know raising Alex alone hasn't been easy. I'll take care of you. I'll take care of him. Will you marry me?"

The air went still.

I stood there, water from the roses dripping onto the floor, spreading into a dark stain.

I didn't know what to say. I was more shocked than anything.

Chris had always been a sweet friend. But I also knew, clear as day—I didn't love him.

"Chris, I..."

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out. A flat-out rejection felt too cruel, especially right before he left. But I couldn't lie to him either.

Chris saw my struggle. His face fell a little.

"It's okay. You don't have to answer now. I just... I didn't want to leave with regrets. Even if you turn me down, at least I'll know I tried."

I looked at him, my throat tight.

"Chris, you're a wonderful friend. You're going to have a great future."

I said it.

I looked down. I could feel his disappointment, but love couldn't be a consolation prize. Leading him on with false hope—that would've been the real cruelty.

"Hey. Look at me."

Chris's voice was lighter than I expected. No bitterness. No pain.

I looked up. His eyes were steady, even a little relieved.