The Yellow Path {Branching Out - Book IV}
PadmΓ©'s expression turned thoughtful, her eyes searching Anakin's face for answers she wasn't sure she wanted to hear. After a long pause, she spoke again, her voice soft and uncertain, carrying more weight than either of them wanted to acknowledge. "Where does this leave us, Anakin?"
Anakin felt a pang in his chest, his heart heavy with the inevitable conversation he's been avoiding for a while. He smiled, but it was a sad, resigned smile. One that held more understanding than words could convey. "PadmΓ©," he began quietly, "you've always been my angel. I've admired you since the day we met, and I always will. But..." He hesitated, glancing away for a second before meeting her gaze again. "I can't feel that kind of attraction. Not for anyone."
PadmΓ© held his gaze, her brown eyes soft but full of questions. She didn't pull away from him, didn't flinch, but Anakin could feel her emotions swirling through the Force-disappointment, sadness, a tinge of heartbreak. She hid it well behind her ever-graceful smile, but the Force didn't lie. He could sense the ache beneath the surface, the sadness behind her brave face.
