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Her forehead furrows. Her eyes dart back to mine. “That’s not news… He agreed to the alliance months ago.”
This is it.
This is where I lose her.
I can feel it.
“What I mean is your father has agreed to an alliance with my family, but our marriage is not required. Not anymore.”
It’s like the entire world stops. The sound of traffic on the other side of the brick wall falls silent. The breeze stops rustling through the garden. Hell, even my heartbeat falters as I watch the woman of my dreams realize her future is no longer forcibly entwined with mine.
She blinks once. Twice. Confusion flickers over her expression, followed swiftly by disbelief. Both are ultimately replaced with hurt.
“I see.” The metal chair screeches against the patio when she pushes it back to stand.
Her reaction catches me by surprise. “I thought you’d be happy.”
She huffs an unamused laugh. “Yes. Of course, I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
I don’t know what to say to that.
My silence only seems to upset her more.
She shakes her head once, then says, “I need to go inside. I’m tired.” She moves to leave.
I quickly stand and block her path. “Wait.”
She draws up short and takes a step back, crossing her arms. “Why?”
“Talk to me,macushla.”
“I don’t think you should call me that anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re not getting married anymore.” She scowls to try and hide her hurt, but I see it in her eyes.
I hate to see her pain, but the emotion gives me hope that our families’ new agreement doesn’t mean the end of us like I feared. “Who said we aren’t getting married?”
Her forehead furrows. “You did.”
“That’s not what I said.”
She frowns. “Yes, you did.”
Slowly, I shake my head. “No. I said your father said we don’thaveto get married for the alliance between our families.”
“That’s the same thing.”
“Is it?”
“I…” she hesitates. Her eyes flicker between mine, trying to figure out what I’m thinking.
I decide to not leave her guessing. “In case you’re wondering, I’m still very much interested in fulfilling the terms of our families’ agreement.”
She blinks. “You are?”
“Yes.” I take a step closer. I feel encouraged when she doesn’t move back to keep space between us.
