fessional distance was now something more complicated-something unspoken, yet undeniably real. The walls they had both carefully constructed

he weight of it. She had confided in him, revealing the suffocating pressure she had been living under, and though he had offered his advice, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had said too

feelings for Vivienne were becoming too complicated, too personal. He had spent years keeping his emotions locked away, building a fortress ar

come more than just the daughter of his employer. She had become a woman he couldn't ignore, a woman whose struggles he understood fa

Every interaction with Vivienne seemed to chip away at his resolve. She had become a constant presence in his mind, her image haunting him even when he wasn't with her. And what disturbe

ng their interactions to remain at the surface level. She wore her mask well, but Leonhart could see the cracks in it. He could see the way her eyes be

ne. He had come to expect these moments-these quiet, stolen instances where the world seemed to fade away and it was ju

in his throat. She looked beautiful, as always, but tonight, there was something different about her. Her eyes were

ce low, tinged with the weariness of the day

't quite reach her eyes. "Leonhart," she greeted him, her voice warm

Leonhart wanted to reach out, to ask her what was really going on, but he knew better than to push her. Vivienne had

didn't meet his gaze, instead staring off into the distance, her

d his words, but hearing her bring them up now-after everything-

a long road, Vivienne. And there will be obstacles-people who will try to pull you back into the life you

tensity that made everything else fade away. The world seemed to fall away, and it was j

lost, Leonhart. Every decision I make feels like it's already been decided for me. I can't breathe in this

ever seen her this vulnerable before, and it stirred some

voice quiet but firm. "I'm here. Whatever you

retreat. She didn't pull away. Instead, she took a step forward, closing the distance b

bling slightly. "What if I want more than w

he couldn't breathe. Vivienne's words were a revelation, b

irlwind of emotions. What was she saying? What did

r hand trembling as it reached out, brushing against his. The con

oice barely above a whisper. "But I know that I don't w

he threshold, not knowing where it would lead, but unable to stop himself from go

he whispered, his hand gently cupping her face.

his touch, her breath

Vivienne allowed herself to believe t

It highlights their growing connection and the internal struggles they both face. Woul