Ruby's breath hitched. Her eyes widened, staring at Stefan in a mix of shock and disbelief. "W-what?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
"You heard me, Rub. I…" she shook her head before he could finish speaking.
Ruby was certain that he didn't mean it the way her brain had first interpreted it. This was Stefan, her best friend. He had no reason to want to date or marry her. He had only said that to make her feel better and probably because of the arrangement, so her parents wouldn't be too angry and disappointed that it fell through because of her.
"I know what you said. But you don't have to do something like that. There is no reason for you to throw your life away for my sake," she replied before Stefan could explain himself.
"Throw my life away?" Stefan asked incredulously.
