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The knock on the door was soft but deliberate, echoing through the quiet villa. Claude opened it slowly, his eyes meeting Mio's—eyes swimming with unshed tears and raw emotion. Her voice cracked as she spoke, "Claude, you're so stupid. So stupid."
He blinked, heart tightening. She continued, "If I told you to give me a week of rest, and you did it without trying to come near me… without begging me… you're so stupid. If I said I'm going to leave your life, would you agree, too? Stupid." And then, the tears spilled freely down her cheeks.
Claude's breath hitched. He'd never seen her like this before—the fierce, brave woman reduced to trembling vulnerability. It stirred something deep inside him.
"Mio…" His voice was soft, almost breaking. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize… I didn't know you wanted me to chase you, to beg you. I thought giving you space was what you needed. I thought… I was doing the right thing."
