Chapter 0040 Carolines POV : I could only stare at Martin in utter disbelief . His sudden confession had completely blown me away . When had Martin fallen in love with me ? Martin was a kind soul who had done inore for me than I could ever know . I treasured our friendship more than anything , and I wished that I could one day help him as much as he had helped me throughout the years . As beautiful as our friendship was , however , I only saw him as just that : a friend . I truly believed that what we had was special , and I loved him dearly , but I just didnt love him in the way he wanted . Had I somehow given him the wrong impression ? I wracked my brain , trying to see where I could have accidentally led him on , but my mind drew a blank . Everything was all so overwhelming . Id never had a man confess to me with such passion before , but I just didnt feel the same way as he did . His eyes were so full of expectation , hoping that I might just return his feelings . I didnt know how to react , but I knew what my heart wanted , and it didnt beat for Martin . I appreciated him endlessly , but I couldnt accept his feelings . If I did , I would be cheating him out of the chance to be with someone who truly loved him the way he deserved . Martin … I murmured softly . Im flattered , I really am , but … I dont feel the same way . I appreciate all youve done for me , but I just dont love you as anything more than a friend . I could see his features sag with sadness and disappointment . I tried to mitigate the damage , but I knew I had hurt him deeply . Martin , I just lost my baby and got divorced , I reminded him . Im not ready to move on just yet . You can understand that , cant you ? Martin mustered up a smile for me , remaining optimistic as he tried to win my heart again . Caroline , I have had a special affection for you since we were kids , he confessed . I didnt know what it was at the time , but after all the time Ive spent with you now , I know for sure that what I feel is love . I want to be with you for the rest of your life , and I promise to- He abruptly stopped speaking when he saw me shake my head , his face overcome with hurt . Martin , I murmured , what you feel might not even be love . Its just … sympathy . Martin looked so crushed as I continued to speak . Youre a good man . Young , handsome , successful ; please dont waste your time on me . Its not worth it . If you really insist , though … Maybe I should rethink our friendship . Please , dont put me in such a tough spot . My friend , though steeped in sadness , understood my hard decision . I see , he said , setting down the flowers . I … apologize if my behavior may have come off as irrational . We can still be friends , though , okay ? Only friends . Although he smiled at me , it felt bitter . I know I had hurt him with my rejection , but I couldnt 7/2 Chapter 0040 bear to think about lying to him . Sorrow lingered in his eyes , but I had no other choice . He was such a kind soul , but he needed to know the truth Of course , I replied softly , gingerly taking his hand in mine and giving it a comforting squeeze . Were still friends , and I wouldnt change that for the world . Martins smile was a little more real this time around , and that made me happyY He got to his feet , but he clearly got up too quickly , because he fell forward with a yelp and fell onto me . I shrieked in surprise and covered my body . Thankfully , he was quick thinking and stopped himself just before he could land on me , causing the both of us to sigh in relief . Oh my God , are you alright ? After diligently checking to see that I hadnt been hurt anywhere , I giggled at the ridiculousness of it all . Im alright , I assured him . Maybe just a little startled , but Im alright . Oh , good , he sighed , laughing to help ease his embarrassment . I quickly reassured him with a pat on the arm , because I knew that what had happened was just a funny accident . Sorry about that . I guess I lost my balance there . I understand , I assured him . Just as long as youre alright , too . ben An awkward tension filled the air because of how close we were . The closeness was greatly uncomfortable and I needed some space . Before I could gently push him away , though , I heard the door slam open . Caroline ! Are you seriously flirting with another man ? Even in the hospital ? Are you shameless ?