932 Good Answer

As Jake's mind raced, he noticed a subtle change in Lucia's expression. Her eyes, once full of expectation and hope, began to narrow and darken, and her lips, once so inviting, now turned down in a slight frown.

"Jake," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment, "you made me a promise. I've been waiting for an answer. Do you have one for me now?"

In that moment, Jake felt like he was caught in a trap. He could see the hurt in her eyes, and it cut him to the core. He knew he couldn't keep avoiding this conversation, but the thought of giving her an answer he knew she didn't want to hear made him feel sick to his stomach.

Finally, he took a deep breath and looked into her eyes, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Lucia," He said softly. "I don't have the answer you want."