Viya's POV
The atmosphere around the dining table seemed to freeze for just a moment.
I understood exactly what he meant. But my mind churned with a thousand uncertainties, each one clawing at the others for dominance.
Without thinking, I lifted my head and looked at him.
Under the bright lights of the dining room, his features appeared even more sharp and defined. That cold, aloof aura still clung to him like a second skin.
For a brief, disorienting second, I wondered if I had imagined it. Had those words really come from his mouth?
But then his dark eyes met mine—bold, unflinching—and I knew.
Yes. He had said it.
His gaze pinned me in place. Heat crept up my neck, and my lashes fluttered downward instinctively, breaking the connection. My heart was racing, somet
