Kate's face turned paler, and her gaze grew bleak as she questioned, "Am I that undesirable to you? I could've sworn we were close and almost dated each other."

Darius pivoted on his heel to meet Kate's eyes. He sighed, responding, "Yes, I can't deny I once had feelings for you—but that went away a long time ago."

There wasn't a trace of warmth in his dark eyes. He parted his lips, wanting to say more, but Bridget's low voice sounded outside. "Sir, a man who claims to be Miss Kate's fiancé has brought a crowd. They're peacefully sitting outside the Reid manor, but they've blocked off the entire road. It's attracting a lot of attention."

A remote frostiness seeped onto Darius' face just then.

The news made Kate's knees go wobbly. She whipped her head toward Darius, lips parting but not a word leaving her mouth. She didn't know what to say, so she shut her eyes and lowered her head. Helplessness and disappointment tinted her cheeks red.

Sighing lightly, Darius turned to say, "Stay