Caspian's POV
When Bella posed her question, I felt my usually frozen expression crack slightly.
'Are my intentions really that unclear, or is she deliberately blind to them?' I wondered.
Elias had already slipped away with perfect timing.
Now it was just Bella and me in the room.
Coffee's rich aroma mingled with her subtle, cool scent, creating an atmosphere that felt almost too intimate.
I tightened my fist, fighting to keep my composure.
'Now or never. I have to confess how I feel about Bella.'
Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Bella casually tugged at her sleeve. The movement revealed an emerald pendant at her waist—Julian's unmistakable mark.
The jade gleamed with perfect clarity, flawless and bright.
Its design carried the Sinclair family crest, impossible to mistake.
The words died in my throat.
That emerald was reserved exclusively for future Sinclair family brides.
I couldn't wrap my head around Julian giving something so precious to Bella.
