The way Lewis spoke made my heart stumble.
He wasn't distant anymore. Not careful. It felt like he was closing the space between us on purpose, step by slow step, like he expected me to feel it too.
"Lewis, you…" I stopped, biting my lip.
What if I was wrong? What if this closeness existed only in my head?
People whispered that Lewis already had someone. Someone important. If that was true, then I was about to embarrass myself in the worst way.
As if he sensed the doubt curling inside me, his voice softened.
"Riley," he said, steady and low. "We're married. You don't have to hide yourself from me. If you want something, say it."
"Okay," I whispered, even though I didn't know what I wanted yet.
I glanced down.
I was still sitting on his lap.
I'd asked for help. I'd stepped into this moment on my own. But now it felt heavier. Real in a way that made my chest tight.
His arm was still around my waist.
Then he asked, without warning, "Are you planning to leave me?"
