Asher’s POV
Things were finally looking up. Bella was back, and nothing in the world could make me happier. Still, the peace was fragile—Zara was still around , and Maris hadn’t even started putting her plan into motion. That woman needed to be gone, and soon.
“You’re grinning like a fool,” Michael said, amusement dripping from his voice as he brought me back to the present.
“Bella’s back, isn’t she?” he asked, eyes narrowing like he already knew the answer.
I nodded, and his face lit up.
“I knew it. You finally got your girl back,” he said, practically bouncing with excitement. His energy sparked an idea in me.
Without thinking it through, I blurted, “Michael, you love me, right?”
His smile faltered. Slowly, his eyes rose to meet mine, filled with sudden discomfort.
“Asher… I do l
