The question sounded clear, echoing in the clearing shrouded in darkness.
Ivory's breath caught. She suddenly shivered in the cold air. She was afraid to hear the following words that might surprise her.
Therefore, Ivory took a deep breath and tried to calm the noise in her heart.
"Then you will hurt Joy," the girl said slowly but firmly.
"And I've hurt you repeatedly," Aaron said relentlessly.
"I'm fine, Aaron. I-"
"How can you be fine, Ivy?" Aaron's tired tone sounded clear in Ivory's ears. "I know you're hurt by my attitude. I'm well aware that my relationship with Joy has always left you sad and confused and disappointed and—"
"That's how it is, isn't it? I told you, I just need shelter and enough food. There's no need to bother working on this relationship because we won't have a happy ending."
