Chapter 9 I nodded slightly . He ran his hands through his hair in frustration . " I told you I have nothing with her ! I just felt sorry for her and wanted to help ! You never believe me ! I don't like her ! Really ! I only like you ! I dream about marrying you ! " He grabbed my hands painfully tight . " You gotta believe me ! We've had thirteen years together ! " I slowly but firmly pulled my hands away . " How am I supposed to believe you ? " " Believe you when you fight with me over and over because of her ? " " Believe you when you leave me stranded at some random train station for hours ? " " Believe you when you stand by her side , accusing me of faking a reaction that nearly killed me ? " " Believe you when you give my mom's dress to her and play our song together ? " " Or believe you when you know I hate her but still let her take me up that mountain and abandon me halfway ? " The barrage of questions left Marcus stunned . " What ? " I didn't explain , just continued coldly : " You just assumed I liked you and couldn't leave you , so you got to enjoy my devotion and attention while also soaking up Chelsea's worship and adoration . " " But people change , Marcus . Even love fades bit by bit with disappointment . " " So Marcus Blackthorne , I don't like you anymore . " His fists clenched tight , trembling slightly , but he suddenly bowed his head . " But I still like you ! " Tears dropped heavily onto the table . " Joy , I know I messed up . I'll cut off all contact with her . Just forgive me this once - let's start over , okay ? " Watching him lower his proud head , I felt nothing but calm . I seemed to have completely let go . My phone buzzed . I glanced down and couldn't help smiling . I stood up , pushing the untouched bubble tea toward him . " Marcus , " " The one who likes boba tea is Chelsea , not me . " " And besides , I already AM starting over . " He asked in a low voice , " With that guy from earlier ? " I thought about this afternoon's kiss and my ears turned red . " Obviously . "