“I don't think anyone wants you to leave,” he replied after a long moment.

The answer shattered every expectation she had built in her mind.

Frustrated, she inhaled sharply and looked away, once again feeling foolish for believing he might say what her heart longed to hear.

Something like:

I don't want you to go.

A knot formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down.

She wasn't going to let those cursed feelings take control of her again.

“I know your parents are suffering because of this,” he