Valeria POV
My heart sank but I forced myself to stay calm, not to let any hurt spill over. “I guess, I don’t need to say much then.”
Zane hesitated, “So… you’re planning to do what your mom said?”
I nodded, refusing to meet his probing gaze. “It’s for the best. My mom has her life here, you’re all her new family. I’m just… I don’t fit here. I’ll leave after graduation.”
He was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. “But what if you did fit here, Valeria? What if things were different?”
My heart fluttered despite myself but I pushed it down, willing myself not to hope. “It’s too late, Zane. I’m leaving in a few months. This… whatever this is, won’t change anything.”
His eyes darkened, and he moved a bit closer, his voice was a whisper now. “What if I could? You’re my mate after
