"I… I can't say it. In that situation, I couldn't bring myself to say those words," she answered.
Ned suddenly laughed. "That situation? I thought you'd stand your ground no matter what. Have you forgotten how you fought tooth and nail over two bottles of mineral water when you were mistaken for sexually harassing me?" He stared at Sophie, growing agitated. "In a situation like that, you could argue your case—why didn't you say a single word yesterday?"
She turned away, trying to escape the crushing pressure weighing on her heart. "Do you want me to fight with them? It's obvious your mother despises me. If I had spoken to her with that attitude last night, it would only deepen her hatred."
"Heh, even if you didn't say anything, the outcome's the same." Ned's tone and expression were ice-cold. "Where's your courage? All this time, have I been the only one invested in this relationship? Sophie, look at me. Tell me—do you love me?"
