whispers of midnight

Her lips found his in a gentle, earnest press. No seduction. No hesitation. Just… love.

Real. Pure. Unforgivingly tender.

Nathan's entire body tensed. It was as if she'd stabbed him and then pulled the blade out, leaving the wound wide open.

His eyes widened in disbelief — he hadn't expected this. Not like this.

But she didn't let it linger.

She pulled away slowly, breath shaky, lips brushing his with a softness that haunted him more than any touch ever could. Her eyes shimmered in the candlelight, vulnerable and sincere.

Then came the words.

"Because… I love you, Sebastian. I love you so much… my husband."

The last two words sliced through him like fire through parchment.

"My husband."

She said it like it meant everything. Like he meant everything.

Nathan could've laughed. He could've screamed.

But instead… he leaned forward and kissed her back.

Deep. Hungry. Desperate.

Not with love.