“You’re not stupid.”
“I saw it and I just… I panicked.”
“I know.”
“I thought I was just… something easy for you,” she admits quietly. “Something that fits until your real life comes back.”
That hits harder than anything else she’s said. I step closer. Close enough now that I can reach her.
“Freya,” I say softly, lifting my hand to her face. “Youaremy real life.”
Her eyes search mine with a look of equal uncertainty and hope.
“There is no version of my life where I choose that over this,” I continue. “Over you.”
Her breath trembles.
“You don’t have to compete with anyone,” I murmur. “Because there is no one else.”
Another tear slips down her cheek. And this time she doesn’t wipe it away. “I’m sorry,” she whispers.
“Don’t be.”
“I didn’t even ask you. I just assumed…”
“You were protecting yourself.”
She nods slightly. “I was scared.”
“I know.”
I brush my thumb gently over her cheek. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
That breaks whatever was left of her composure. She steps forward, her arms wrapping around me tightly, like she needs to feel that I’m actually here. I hold her just as tightly.
“Idiot,” she mumbles into my chest.
I laugh. “Rude.”
She pulls back slightly, looking up at me, eyes still glassy. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
“I am.”
She lets out a shaky laugh. Then glances down at the bracelet again. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s yours.”
She looks back at me. And this time… There’s no doubt there. Just warmth. Just something steady and real.
“Put it on me?” she asks softly.
I take it from the box, gently fastening it around her wrist, my fingers brushing against her skin as I do. It fits perfectly.
“It’s perfect,” she whispers.
I lean down, pressing my forehead lightly against hers.
“Yeah,” I murmur. “It is.”
