"No!" Maria shook her head vehemently.
"No way, Cassius. I'm not believing that for one second!"
He looked surprised.
"I need to check for myself if it's really true. You could be lying right now, making up some story to spare my feelings."
She crossed her arms. "I have to take responsibility. I have to make sure everything is truly alright."
Cassius insisted. "It's truly alright, Maria. I can assure you, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm still as strong as ever. There's no need—"
"I said no didn't I!"
She shouted, then caught herself. Her expression softened into something sincere, almost desperate.
"I feel so guilty, Cassius. The reason you're going through this, it's all because of me. The thought that I might be the reason my best friend's family falls apart..."
She shook her head, her eyes glistening.
"I can't handle that guilt. Please, let me check. Let me see if you're really the same man you always were."
She looked up at him with tender, loving eyes.
