chapter 60

Mark arrived at Cassie's place his hands clasped together, looking exhausted. Barbie stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her face a mixture of frustration and confusion. The tension between them was palpable.

"I don't even know what's going on between us anymore, Mark," Barbie said, her voice soft but firm. "One minute, everything's perfect, and the next, your mom's announcing your engagement to someone else. How am I supposed to feel?"

Mark glanced up, guilt written across his face. "I know I've messed up, Barbie. I didn't handle things the way I should have, especially with my mom. But I never wanted that engagement. You're the one I love. You're the one I want to be with."

Barbie shook her head, pacing the room. "Then why didn't you say anything? Why did you let her make those decisions for you? It feels like you don't even have a voice in your own life. How can we build something together if you're not standing up for us?"