Chelsea’s blunt “I don’t know him” left Stapleton momentarily stunned.

His face darkened. “What’s going on? Did that punk Altsin bully you again? Tell me, and I’ll have someone bag him up and teach him a lesson!”

“There’s no need. Don’t go causing trouble for him.”

Chelsea’s tone was calm. “I just want him out of my life. The further away, the better.”

Stapleton studied her closely, sensing she wasn’t speaking out of spite.

“What happened? Don’t you still love him?”

Chelsea paused mid-chop, lifting her gaze to meet Stapleton’s. “Stapleton, I’ve grown up. I’m no longer that naive girl who thought love was all I needed to survive.”

A...