[Nikolai]
It wasn't until Isolde slammed the door directly in my face that I finally let my smile fall.
The facade I'd been maintaining—the playful, apologetic young man trying to make amends—dropped away completely. My expression went neutral, almost cold, as I stared at the closed door for a long moment.
I knew she was terrified of the potential consequences my abrupt announcement might cause. I'd seen it written all over her face during that entire nightmare of a family meeting. From the way her hand trembled in mine to how she'd avoided making eye contact with anyone and the barely concealed panic in her breathing.
But somehow, despite her fear and anger, I felt less burdened now that the cat was out of the bag.
No more sneaking around. No more pretending she meant nothing to me.
