Aliana watched her husband like a curious cat, fully expecting a witty retort or another sly trick to have his way with her.
But as the seconds stretched on, the challenge in her eyes slowly began to fade.
The familiar mischief dancing in Gavriel's gaze gradually disappeared, replaced by seriousness… as if he was genuinely considering her request.
Aliana didn't know why, but her heart began to pick up its pace to see him like this… as if whatever he had claimed himself to be… was actually… true?
With the slightest speck of doubt taking root, her pulse quickened with emotions she couldn't quite name.
Just then, Gavriel slowly lifted his hand.
As his fingers reached for her hair, she instinctively flinched.
The tiny movement made him pause, and his hand froze in mid-air.
He blinked, and just like that, the silent moment shattered.
A slight frown settled on his face at her reaction, and Aliana noticed it immediately.
