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The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and I struggled to find the right response. Our relationship was moving at lightning speed, and the thought of such a significant commitment made my head spin.
"No, Oliver. You're moving too fast," I finally managed to voice my hesitation.
"I'm moving fast because you're my future," he insisted, his tone earnest.
"It's too much for me. Maybe we should spend time apart at night," I suggested, trying to alleviate the pressure building inside me.
His frown deepened, and he raised his voice slightly. "That's not what I want. I do everything a hundred times better when we're together."
"Oliver, relax. We're not breaking up. I just need time to myself," I reassured him, hoping to ease his concerns.
"It sounds like you want to break up," he accused, his voice tinged with hurt.
"I don't. I love you, but moving in so soon is crazy. You haven't even met my family. My parents don't even know I'm dating you," I confessed, the weight of my words heavy on my heart.
"Why? Why haven't you told them?" Oliver pressed, his frustration evident.
"I just haven't. They would say the same thing if I told them how intense we are together. It's too much," I admitted, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me.
“So you want space? Is that what you’re saying?” Oliver’s voice was laced with concern as he sought clarification.
“I think so. I feel pressured to make you happy,” I admitted, my words heavy with uncertainty.
“Ryleigh, I want you to know that I want no one else but you,” Oliver assured me, his sincerity evident.
“I feel the same, but you’re pushing me too soon,” I confessed, feeling the weight of my words settle between us.
I hastily shoved the rest of my belongings into my bag and zipped it up, avoiding Oliver's gaze. He sat on the corner of his bed, chewing on his bottom lip in silence, his turmoil evident.
“You’re not staying with me tonight?” he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment.
“No. I haven’t been home since Friday. I have some things to do, and I need to spend time with Sadie,” I explained, trying to keep my tone firm.
“I’ll have Vlad take you home,” Oliver insisted, his concern palpable.
“I think I can manage on my own,” I replied, feeling the need for independence.
“I insist. In fact, I’d like to see you home,” he pressed, his tone becoming more insistent.
“No. Stop smothering me,” I snapped.
“Jesus Christ, I’m not smothering. I care about you,” Oliver protested, frustration creeping into his voice.
“If you do, then give me some space to think,” I pleaded, hoping he would understand.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Oliver confessed, his vulnerability laid bare.
“You’re not. I just need some time to sort my head out,” I assured him, my heart aching at the thought of hurting him.
I picked up my bag, and he followed me out to the foyer. Pushing me against the door, he kissed me fiercely, his desperation evident. Despite my attempts to resist, I found myself giving in to him, his touch stirring up a tumult of conflicting emotions within me.
“I love you,” he whispered as he broke the kiss.
“I know,” I whispered back, my voice barely audible as I walked out the door, leaving Oliver behind. Tears stung my eyes as I pressed the elevator button, feeling the weight of my decision settling over me. Oliver watched me until I disappeared into the car, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As Vlad drove me to my apartment, I tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. But as soon as I was safely inside, the floodgates opened, and I sobbed uncontrollably, grappling with the turmoil of emotions raging inside me. I was torn between wanting to accept everything Oliver offered and the desire to maintain my independence. It was a conflict I couldn't seem to resolve, and for now, space seemed like the only answer.
Chapter 10
