Ashlyn kept her head down, fingers tightening around Katelyn’s arm, unable to bring herself to meet Khalid’s eyes. If she did, she might hear something she wasn’t ready for. She refused to go through that kind of pain again.

Khalid understood why Katelyn had brought Ashlyn here this time. Even if the conversation led to words that would tear him apart, he had to face them. What if things weren’t as he had assumed? Besides, with Katelyn taking the lead, refusing wasn’t an option. His gaze flickered toward Ashlyn before settling on Katelyn. “Alright, let’s hear it.”

Katelyn felt relieved and asked, “You’re not going to deny that you and Sophia were in a relationship, are you?”

In the past, she had been unsure of how to handle situations like this. But after being with Vincent, she had learned that honesty, no matter how uncomfortable, was the only way to prevent misunderstandings and keep a relationship from falling apart.

Katelyn knew her approach was bold, maybe even reckless. But if they didn’t face this now, they would completely sever their ties. There was no turning back. Katelyn had to push forward.

Khalid didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” he admitted.

Ashlyn tightened her grip on Katelyn’s hand. She was scared, afraid she would hear something that might shatter her. Every instinct told her to run, but Katelyn kept a firm hold on her, refusing to let her escape. She had never felt more embarrassed.

However, Katelyn dismissed it and asked again directly, “Then, were you with Ashlyn just because she reminded you of Sophia? Or have you never let go of Sophia?”

Her gaze didn’t waver. She studied his face, searching for even the slightest flicker of emotion.

Khalid stopped for a moment. For a brief instant, something unreadable flickered in his eyes. Then, he responded without hesitation, “No.”

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Ashlyn froze at Khalid’s response. Her head, once lowered, snapped up as she looked at him.

A wave of relief washed over Katelyn at his answer. She had just taken a gamble. After all, the emotions she thought she saw in Khalid might have been nothing more than her imagination. If that were the case, she’d only end up hurting Ashlyn.

Luckily, things weren’t going downhill. For her, that was enough.

Only then did Katelyn press on, “Then why did you break up with Ashlyn? If you don’t have feelings for Sophia anymore, then why did you agree to the breakup?”

Khalid lowered his head in silence. Memories of the past flashed through his mind, forever etched into his memory. Ashlyn lowered her head, remaining silent as well.

For a moment, the air was thick with silence. Sensing the tension, Katelyn spoke again. “Let me put it another way—do you still love Ashlyn?”

It was a direct question. Ashlyn’s grip on Katelyn’s arm tightened. Her nervousness was obvious.

Khalid glanced at Ashlyn, her head still lowered in silence, and said simply, “I do.”

Ashlyn’s heart skipped with joy at his words. It was as if all her past sadness and pain had vanished. She suddenly lifted her head, locking eyes with Khalid.

Sensing the timing was right, Katelyn nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll leave you two to talk.”

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