A pause.
Then, almost like a plea breaking out of him—
“Just love me. Choose me.”
Sophia went still.
For a moment, she didn’t speak.
She just looked at him.
At the desperation in his eyes—the way it burned for her, fierce and hungry, yet so unsteady it almost looked like it might fall apart.
Her chest tightened.
But she forced herself to breathe.
Forced herself to ignore it.
“I won’t,” she said quietly.
Her voice was firm.
“I won’t repeat the same mistake.”
The words hit.
Magnus’s eyes darkened instantly, something fierce igniting in them again.
“It’s not a mistake!” he snapped, his voice rising. “It will never be something you regret. I’m not like your ex-husband—”
“Stop!” she shouted, shoving him back with all her strength.
Her eyes were red now, her voice shaking with anger.
“You’re not like my ex-husband, Magnus?” she laughed bitterly. “Youarehim!”
His expression froze.
“I won’t fall in love again,” she continued, her voice breaking but stubborn. “I won’t accept you again. I don’t like you. I won’t fall for you.”
She pushed at his chest again, forcing distance between them.
“We don’t have any connection anymore,” she said coldly. “Not work. Not personal. So don’t come looking for me again.”
Magnus didn’t move.
For a second, he just stood there.
His face… fell.
Something in his eyes dimmed, the anger draining out, leaving behind something quieter. He looked at her, his voice lower now, almost uncertain.
“…Is that your real answer?” he asked. “Your true feelings?”
Sophia didn’t hesitate.
“Yes.”
