The room is silent, the darkness held together by the soft flicker of candlelight.
Shadows dance across the dining table between us, stretching and shrinking with every flame's breath.
Gen looks at me, then rises from his chair.
I watch him move.
He pulls the chair beside mine and sits—too close. Our shoulders almost touch. Before I can speak, his hand finds mine, warm and firm.
"Arem," he asks softly, "are you angry with me?"
I don't answer. I let silence do the work.
He tightens his grip slightly, anxious.
"Believe me," he says, voice earnest, almost desperate. "My heart belongs only to you. I don't have any feelings for Mr. Evan Lee.
Everything I did was only because Mr. Rion Vale ordered me to. Please… believe me."
I lower my gaze, letting confusion settle on my face like a mask. Innocent. Unsure.
His fingers slide under my chin, gentle, careful. He lifts my face until my eyes meet his.
"Arem…" he murmurs.
