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Finally, she slips the ring on her finger.
Yes!
My heart races with excitement as a beautiful smile comes to her lips. The weight of the moment dissolves in the air. She put the ring on her finger. This is it. She’s going to promise to be mine.
Then she speaks and her words pierce through me like icicles.
“I'll wear the ring,” she says. Her eyes meet mine. “But that's all I can promise you.”
My world shatters into a million pieces in an instant. All my hopes crumbling. My chest tightens, and I struggle to catch my breath. “What?”
“I’m so sorry,” she says with a shake of her head. “I need some time. I don’t take the decision lightly.”
I stand, grabbing her hands in mine. “What do I need to do to convince you?” I plead, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I love the ring. I love…” her words trail away and her blue eyes turn away from me. “I love the ring, and I just need time to think."
“Right.” I feel like a fool, standing there with nothing but the promise of her wearing a ring that holds no actual meaning. I drop her hands.
It's all my fault.
I took her from her home and her family and forced her into this life with me.
And now I’m left feeling ashamed and broken that she won’t commit to me? What did I expect? My mind fills with fear and self-doubt.
Will she ever want to marry me?
Without her, I have nothing.
Before her, that wasn’t true, but now, the Bachmans won’t be enough for me; I know this. Will she ask to leave? Will she want to return to her family?
“Haze. I’m sorry I can’t give you a better answer right now.” Sensing me spiraling, she touches my shoulder, drawing back my attention. “But I didn’t say no. I said I need time.”
She needs time.
How do I give her the one thing she wants when I want to be with her every waking second? I run a hand through my hair. If time is what she needs, I should leave for a few days at least.
I don’t think I can take being here with her and not being all over her.
Finally, I nod. “You’re right. Time. Of course.” I pull her close and kiss her. Then, I let her go.
She smiles weakly. “I’ve got to go talk to Freya. I need to fill her in and let her know?—”
She doesn’t rub salt into the wound. We both know she’s going to cancel the wedding Gian and I had set up. She doesn’t have to say it.
I watch her walk away, admiring her strength.
I need to get out of here. I can’t be around her. I’d throw her over my shoulder and drag her to a priest, forcing her to marry me against her will. Instead, I know where I need to go and what I need to do. I leave her a note, telling her I’ll be gone for a few days to see my family.
I’m halfway in the back seat of the car that will take me to the airport when she comes running out of the castle, her long dark hair flowing behind her. “Wait!” she calls. I straighten up, standing by the car to wait for her.
Has she changed her mind?
She grabs my arm, pulling me in. “Take me with you. I want to meet your family.”
“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not safe for you there. Stay here.”
She stares up at me. “Is this because I said no to your proposal for now? Is that why you’re not taking me?”