Chapter 18

Maxime staggered backwards while holding back the pain in his stomach. However, he had no intention of returning Tjoe's blow. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Tjoe, I know you're angry. But listen to me for a moment."

Tjoe, still filled with anger, punched again, but this time Maxime managed to dodge and immediately grabbed both of Tjoe's hands, stopping the next attack. "Tjoe, Rafael didn't choose Lea because of me. He chose Lea because he loved her. Lea also chose Rafael. Love can't be forced, Tjoe."

Tjoe tried to get away, but Maxime held him tightly. "Tjoe, you have to face this reality. We are all friends. I never intended to hurt you."

Slowly, Tjoe's emotions began to subside. He stopped struggling and looked at Maxime in confusion. "But why? Why did everything happen so fast?"

Maxime let go of his hand and sighed. "Sometimes, in life, we can't control other people's feelings. I can't control Rafael and Lea's feelings either. What happened wasn't your fault, it wasn't anyone's fault