Isabella remained quiet long after he asked the question.
It was not because she did not hear him. It was because she did not trust the first answer that tried to come out of her mouth.
Her mind said yes.
Her pride said yes.
But something else, something quieter and far more honest, refused to agree.
She shifted slightly, enough to create a small space between them, though his hand was still resting at her waist, not forcing, not withdrawing either. It was as if he had given her the choice without saying it again.
“You should,” she said at last, her voice low and careful, like someone choosing her words one by one.
Gabriel watched her closely, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then something in his eyes softened, almost like he expected that answer and yet was still disappoint
