POV: Jasmine
The lie slipped past my lips so smoothly that it frightened me.
He didn't say another word. He just leaned into his seat, his expression saying everything his mouth couldn't say. And, gods, I hated it.
I hated that I made him feel this way just moments after making him feel appreciated.
The silence made my stomach twist. My fingers tightened around the luxurious arrangement of bouquet, which probably cost more than Cory made in two years from doing assignments for students in school.
I shoved it aside, my chair scraping against the floor as I moved closer to him.
"Cory," I murmured, reaching out and resting my hand on his arm. He didn't pull away, but he didn't lean into the touch either. "It doesn't matter." My voice was soft and careful. "Your rose is the one that made me happy."
He let out a small, breathy chuckle, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Jasmine, you don't have to—"
