Verret’s Pov
The silence between us stretched like a blade, sharp and taunting. She walked beside me, her steps slow but purposeful, her eyes fixed ahead as though every petal and leaf offended her existence. I could hear the rustle of her gown brushing against the gravel path, soft and rhythmic — a sound that did something strange to me. I hated it. I wanted it louder. I wanted her voice louder.
The gardens of my mansion looked alive under the dim morning light, vines climbing the marble pillars, roses half-bloomed, and the distant fountain whispering water songs. But she — she was quieter than all of it. And somehow, that silence screamed louder than any noise I’ve ever known.
I finally broke it.
“Do you always make it a point to ignore people who save your life?” I asked, tone calm
