Raellyn took a measured sip of her wine, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Arnav. There was a quiet intensity in her eyes not accusatory, but deliberate. Searching. Peeling away layers he might have preferred to keep hidden like she was trying to read an entire library in the language of his stillness.
“No,” she said evenly, her voice steady despite the heaviness in her chest, “I’ve never been married before. But you have.” Her fingers gently traced the rim of her glass. “Still, I’ve learned something about marriage about what it should be from watching my parents… and from my uncle and aunt. If I’m to commit myself to a marriage, I’d rather build it on honesty and mutual respect.”
She let her words settle between them before continuing, each syllable laced with quiet conviction.
“I believ
