Chapter 444

Jason paused, his black eyes fixed on her.

She frowned. "What is it?"

"What if I had?" he asked abruptly.

Her smile faded. She pursed her lips, looking at him solemnly. "Jason, I don't like being lied to. I believe honesty is essential for any lasting relationship. At the very least, we shouldn't lie to each other."

He remained silent, his gaze unwavering.

"Would you lie to me?" she asked again, anxiety tightening her chest. She feared their perspectives were diametrically opposed. If they couldn't agree on this, how could their relationship continue?

His hands, at his sides, clenched. Then, slowly, he said, "I won't."

Relief washed over her. A weight lifted from her heart.

Fortunately, he won’t lie to me, she thought.

"Why? Were you afraid my answer wouldn't be what you wanted to hear?" he asked, noticing her relief.

"A little," she admitted, sheepishly rubbing her nose. "Anyway, I won't lie to you, so neither should you."

"Okay," he replied softly. "But what would you do if my answer had been 'I would'?" He wanted to know, even if the answer terrified him.

She considered this, biting her lip. "Perhaps… I'd break up with you." If they held differing moral views, the road ahead would be arduous. It was better to end things before their feelings deepened.

She'd been cheated on before. Sean Stevens had professed his love, promising to protect her. After her accident, he'd even promised to find her the best lawyer. Yet, while she was in detention, he'd broken up with her! The man who claimed to love her had simply watched as others ruined her life. He even regretted making her his girlfriend, forgetting his earlier professions of love. Had she lost love? Or her trust in humanity? If not for Lina, she might have lost faith in mankind entirely.

At her words, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"We'll never break up!" His voice, though clear, held anxiety and certainty. His grip was so tight she could barely breathe.

Grace's face was pressed against his chest. Through his shirt, she felt his strong, rapid heartbeat.

"I'm just saying… it's hypothetical…"

"Not even a hypothetical should exist," he interrupted urgently. Her hypothesis made him anxious, as if it might become reality. Even now, holding her, he felt he couldn't fully possess her.

"Jay… You… You need to let go a little. I can't breathe…" Grace protested.