"And lastly, if he steps out of line—even once—he's gone. Permanently. No third chances. Let him know that."
Ella's eyes widened, disbelief etched across her face. The weight of his words hit her like a blow. This was not him relenting. No. He was only pretending to give in! "You've already made up your mind to hate him and not forgive him, haven't you? This isn't about conditions, Aiden. It's about you holding onto a grudge. You're impossible!"
Her voice cracked with emotion, but her anger didn't waver. She turned away abruptly, her heartbreak spilling over into a fresh wave of tears. This time, they were more genuine, raw, and unrestrained. Through her sobs, she managed to choke out, "You're only pretending to give in. You know he'll never agree to your conditions—and neither will I! You're asking him to sacrifice everything. And you may be able to ask that of him. But as a daughter, I cannot do that!"
