Charlotte’s stomach betrayed her with a flutter.
She stepped back slightly and lifted her chin.
‘I assure you it is important.’
He chuckled softly and relented enough to give her space.
‘I am listening.’
She drew a slow breath.
‘I...’
Her throat tightened painfully. Once spoken, it could not be reclaimed. But she forced the words out of her.
‘Now that our investigation has come to an end, I no longer wish to remain here.’
Silence fell.
A faint frown touched his brow.
‘You intend to leave me.’
For the first time, he looked almost afraid.
He closed the distance between them more deliberately now, but Charlotte turned her face away.
Gently, he lifted her chin with one finger.
‘Why?’
Her breath trembled.
Unshed tears blurred her vision, yet she forced herself to remain firm.
‘I must. I cannot continue living here... like this.’
His gaze held hers steadily.
He hesitated briefly.
‘The truth is, I have delayed speaking plainly for fear of what your answer might be. But I cannot allow you to leave without knowing what is in my heart.’
Something inside her faltered dangerously.
‘But you said...’ she whispered, her voice catching, ‘that you would never consider me for matrimony again. And I—’
She swallowed hard.
‘I cannot continue in such uncertainty. It feels as though my heart is bleeding out.’
The tears escaped then despite every effort to restrain them.
‘I cannot bear the thought of watching you marry someone else,’ she almost sobbed.
A quiet laugh escaped him.
‘Is that truly your only objection?’
