Maya's POV
Arthur's question sliced through the evening air like a blade. Do you really love him? Those five words hit me with the force of a freight train, stealing the breath from my lungs.
My thoughts scattered in every direction. Fabricating stories about how Sebastian and I met was one challenge, but declaring feelings of love? That crossed into dangerous territory. Sacred ground that felt too intimate to trespass on with lies.
I parted my lips, but silence was all that emerged. My hands grew clammy, and Arthur's piercing stare felt like a spotlight burning into my soul, demanding honesty I wasn't prepared to give. The reality? I didn't love Sebastian.
How could I possibly? Our entire connection was built on deception, a calculated business arrangement masquerading as genuine affection. Yet something nagged at me...
