By the time they returned from the supermarket , the rain had stopped completely Kirsten and Darnell strolled down the road , each carrying a large bag of groceries , a quiet ease settling over them . Then bereide her apartmem building . Kirsten spotted that all - too - familiar figure . The smile faded from her lips . She never imagined the last person she'd want to see , Duncan , would actually show up . Darnell sharp - eyed , noticed her shift in mood . He glanced at Duncan , standing not far off , and instinctively stepped in front of her . Before catching sight of Kirsten , Duncan had been brimming with anticipation . But the sight of the man beside her darkened his expression instantly . When he drew closer and recognized Darnell , his anger flared hotter . Duncan marched over , but Darnell moved to block Duncan the second he noticed . " Who are you ? " Darnell asked . " I should be the one asking that . Who are you? " Fury simmered in Duncan . But he held back , too aware of Kirsten's gaze on him . He forced himself to rein in his emotions , waiting for her reaction . Darnell ignored his deliberate provocation , turning instead to Kirsten . " Kirsten , do you know this man ? " Kirsten nodded . " Do you want me to take you home right now ? " Worry flickered in Darnell's eyes . It's okay . Let's go . Just ignore him ! " Kirsten lifted her foot to leave . " Kirsten , can we talk? " Duncan called out , halting her . Her steps paused at his words . Darnell , having likely guessed the history between them . He spoke softly , " If you don't clear this up , he'll probably keep pestering you . Why not talk to him ? I'll wait up ahead . " " Okay ," With that , Darnell took the groceries from her hands and walked a short distance away to wait . 10:15 包 3.5 % AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Install now > PG 广告 There's the usual crypto platforms , then there's Binance . See why we're different . Aterp Manu Neither si them spored Duncan a glance the entire time , as if Danica were no more than a stranger on the street Kisten tored in face him Dunrth These really nothing left to say Sonce you've chosen Alayna , let the past stay in the past . Kirsten's voice was cold and distant . I gave Duncan's heart a jolt . It had been so long since they'd truly spoken . In his memory , Kirsten had always spoken to him gently . Duncan had never seen her look so cold . " Kirsten , I know I was wrong . I didn't recognize you in time . Can you forgive me ? " I know you might still care about what happened with Alayna . But she's been punished more than she deserved . I found out everything she did to you , and I made her pay double . " Can we start over ? For real this time ? I missed you ... so much . " Duncan's tone was humble , and his voice trembled a bit out of control . Guilt gnawed at him . Ever since he'd learned the truth , a hollow ache had lingered in his chest . He'd waited days for news of Kirsten , counting the seconds until he could see her again . Duncan's eyes burned with eagerness . Kirsten said nothing , just stared at him quietly . Something about her gaze made Duncan's guilt spike . He had to look away , unable to hold her stare . After a long silence , Kirsten spoke slowly , " Duncan , I started liking you back in high school . The days I spent with you were the most unforgettable of my life . So wonderful that they almost felt like a dream . I always hoped you'd recognize me through feeling , or at least give me a minute to explain . But that never happened . " Now I've made peace with it . Let the past stay buried . " " Kirsten , I ... " Duncan faltered . He wanted to explain , but the words tangled in his throat . His mouth worked , but no coherent sentence emerged . " Duncan , the second I chose to let you go , I knew I'd never regret it . I loved you once , but not anymore . There's no us , not now , not ever . Please don't come to see me again . " 10:15 正 3.5 % AD Binance : Buy Bitcoin & Crypto Install now > PG 广告 There's the usual crypto platforms , then there's Binance . See why we're different . Seed and shed , Inving the towth four wrwhe Pached her head rd Darnell , charp , eesting regret washing over him . Reform coming si Autralia , he'd replayed the moment à hundred times . As long as Kirch came back , he could do anything Bant here she was , standing right in front of him , telling him she didn't love him anymore . Duncan's heart plummeted into a frozen void .