(Evelina's POV — Café Down the Office, Moments After)
Silence settled between us.
Not tense. Not awkward. Just… revealing. Kael Valtore didn't even realize how naked the truth sounded coming from his own mouth.
He wasn't here because he cared. He was here because he wanted a weapon.
Me.
I inhaled slowly, letting the icy realization sink beneath my skin like frost. Kael watched me closely, expecting—what? Gratitude? Tears? A desperate nod?
His voice cut the air again, low but firm. "So. What will you do?"
I lifted my eyes.
"What do you think I will do?" I asked softly.
His brows lifted slightly, as if surprised I asked. "You'll help, of course. You've always valued our engagement. And now, I'm willing to restore it."
Restore it.
Like offering me a patched-up toy. Like giving a bone to a dog.
My lips curved.
Not a smile.
A warning.
"I see," I murmured. "So… you ended the engagement because you wanted a perfect image. A perfect wife. A perfect match."
