Space

ROSALINA'S POV

I closed the lid of the salve. It was the one I used to treat my cuts and bruises after the intense dance practice. I glanced at the mark, guilt nagging me. I wanted to show the decency to say sorry, but I couldn't. Pride held me back. "You should get going."

Leo looked up at me, "Why?"

"I just need some space, that's all."

His face contorted. "We both wanted this, Rosalina. Stop acting like I forced you into it."

I took a step back to steady my nerves. "Leo, just leave."

I didn't want this to repeat again. It was too reckless, too risky. I was going to be a dancer, and getting pregnant was the last thing I wanted.

He clenched his fists, frustration evident in his tightened jaw. "You can't just push me away whenever you feel like it. I'm done playing games with you."

I turned away from him, unable to meet his eyes. "It's not that simple. Ballet is my dream, and I can't let anything jeopardize it."

"You think I would do that to you?"

"I don't know," I muttered, even