Adam’s Pov
"What’s going on with you? It’s my birthday, and we should be having a good time," she said, her frustration evident.
I exhaled deeply, turning away from her. "Yeah..." I replied quietly. "Your present is on my study table." I avoided her gaze, knowing that Essel was more concerned about me than the gift.
"Adam..." she sighed again, this time more gently, placing her hand on my shoulder in an attempt to draw me in. "Please, tell me what’s bothering you," she urged, her voice softening.
"Just... please..."
I caught a glimpse of her, feeling the heaviness of the moment settle around us. With another deep breath, I finally sat up, which brought a flicker of hope to her expression. But that hope faded quickly.
I care about you deeply, Essel. From the moment I understood what
