A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy) novel Chapter 1305

Ryan did a double take before exclaiming in surprise, "But we just visited one place and I had two others in mind. They aren't that far either—are you tired or perhaps busy?"

"Neither," Quinn replied.

"Well, you're here anyway—you should at least have some fun before you get home. Don't worry, I won't lose you," Ryan joked.

"We should be keeping our distance." Quinn cut straight to the point right then.

Ryan's smile stiffened. "Do you have to be so distant, Quinn?"

"Nothing would come of this. And I don't want you to cause any misunderstanding between me and Sam."

"Why?" Ryan asked Quinn. "I know how you feel—that you love me and not him. Why are you changing your mind now that we can be together? Are my parents pressuring you? Don't worry. I'll talk to them and take responsibility for anything—"

"It's not them," Quinn said, cutting him short. "I don't love you anymore."

Ryan froze in shock, not quite able to register the heartache he felt while wondering if he was hearing things.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll admit that I used to love you, that I was devastated when you left me at the altar. It hurt so much, and I couldn't begin to understand why you'd run away. I guess I was disappointed, so I agreed to your parents' suggestion to marry Sam. I can admit that it was to repay their support for me over the years, and most importantly, it was my way of getting back at you."

"Then why would you—"

"That's all in the past. Right now, I just want to stay with Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly. "Feelings change with time. I no longer yearn for you now—all I want is to stay with Sam."

"Because you feel like you owe him?" Ryan asked her.