Chapter 37

Jayden had hoped that a date might be the stepping stone toward rebuilding their fractured relationship. He approached Cassandra with the suggestion, hoping for a fresh start, but her response caught him off guard.

" How about going out tonight? Just the two of us, " Jayden proposed, a glimmer of optimism in his voice.

Cassandra hesitated, a cloud of uncertainty crossing her features. " I don't know, Jay, " she replied, her voice laced with hesitance.

" Why not? " Jayden frowned, puzzled by her sudden reluctance. " You were the one who suggested it in the first place. "

She muttered something almost inaudible, her words cloaked in indecision.

" Cass, please, " Jayden pressed gently, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. " I thought this could be a fresh start for us. "

Cassandra shifted uncomfortably, her gaze avoiding his. " I'm just not sure if now is the right time, " she finally murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

" Is there something you aren't telling me? " H