world itself was hesitant to disturb the

tside the window. My mind replayed moments from the past few days-Adrian's steady kindness

eling s

o be real. It was an agreement. A sacrifice. A means to an end. I reminded myself of that ov

ng, cracked easily when

ting Adrian to already be there. But today, the room was emp

hy disappointment

ife before me-a world of meetings, responsib

eather notebook he had given me. The pages were still mostly empty,

n finally appeared in the doorway. He looked different today-more di

rning,"

I replied, study

trange, heavy pause th

oday," he continue

d softly. "

nd there. He picked up his keys, hesitated for a f

closing echoed loude

-

scheduled soon, but worry clung to me like a shadow. Still, my thoughts kept drift

ome, the mansion felt di

en. Everywhere, memories of him lingered-his quiet presence, his gentl

stone bench when

ri

approach. The setting sun painted his face in soft gold

back,"

tanding slowly. "Yo

meetings w

her

elt heavier now, weighte

?" The question slipped o

startled

gers twisting nervously, "you

y, his jaw tightening. "I didn't

at I said," I

the first time since we met,

"was supposed to protect you. Not confu

sank. "Co

noticed you pulling closer. And I realiz

at him,

quickly. "You've been

want to hurt you, Elena. This marriage was never meant

cted-not because they were cruel

tead?" I asked, my voice trembli

. "I thought dista

oth o

hard. "And d

then-really lo

his voice mad

-

g breeze weaving between u

ftly. "And I don't regret caring. But I don'

," I sai

can see it in your eyes. You're tryin

made myself a promise before this marriage," I w

tched almost

ow?" h

admitted. "That'

time it wasn't empty. It was full-of fear, ho

," he said gently, "you don't have to decide anything now. Or eve

finally spilling over. "

e a delicate thread that could s

hen we'll move slowly

me closer. And somehow, that rest

-

t, I coul

ce, every moment of vulnerability we had shared. The fear that once ru

o

e was d

rifted off, one tho

as no longer ju

ecoming

carried co