Autumn froze at Derek's question. Her mind raced for an answer, but nothing coherent came to her.

"We should take this inside, Autumn," Ethan suggested gently, watching the tension in her posture.

Autumn shook her head, her resolve hardening. "No. Derek needs to hear this," she muttered with quiet determination, glancing at Derek, whose concerned gaze lingered on her. His expression wavered, confused and uneasy.

"If I tell you the truth, Derek," Autumn began hesitantly, her voice low but steady, "you might hate me. Or worse, you'll think I'm crazy."

Derek stepped closer, his brow furrowed deeply. "Will the truth make me hate you?"

Autumn hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her...