This was the reaction she was expecting, but it's not the one she wants. Nothing about this is going to be easy, but it must be done anyway.

"You can do it and you must." Her voice is firm and unwavering. "Don't you see that simply walking away from this conversation won't be enough? To leave the door open, even the smallest amount, will only make this harder for both of us. I can convince my heart that this never meant anything, but I need you to tell me you don't love me first."

A beat, and then she adds, "If you don't, then I will never be able to fully move past this."