>Mallory
"And… I didn't inform you earlier because you left in a hurry," he added casually, his tone light, almost absent-minded, as though what he was about to say was nothing more than a minor detail he had forgotten to mention. He adjusted the napkin on his lap, his posture relaxed, shoulders loose, completely at ease in his seat.
"But we should make our marriage public soon."
"Huh?"
I lifted my head so fast my neck twinged, a sharp sting running down the side as my jaw dropped without me realizing it. For a moment, I could only stare at him, my thoughts lagging, my ears ringing slightly as I tried to process his words. The room felt too quiet, like even the air was waiting for my reaction.
For a second, I genuinely wondered if I had misheard him.
"Let's announce our marriage," he repeated, this time more clearly, his eyes lifting to meet mine. His gaze was steady, unbothered, as if he had already expected this conversation to go his way.
