I like you

Mia stood at the grand gates of the Duke's estate, her fingers brushing her lips in an absent-minded gesture as she wrestled with the weight of her decision. To retreat now would be an act of cowardice, unworthy of her spirit. She must confront the truth and accept whatever consequence lay ahead. After all, there were many men in the world, surely, if fate proved unkind, she could find another to love.

With a final deep breath, she raised her hand to knock. Yet, before her knuckles could meet the iron, the gates groaned open, revealing Klaus and Ray astride their horses, looking prepared to depart.

"Mia!" Klaus exclaimed as his gaze alighted upon her. Without hesitation, he dismounted and approached with haste.

"Klaus," she murmured, her voice scarcely audible. She had not anticipated meeting him so soon. Her heart wavered, unsure of how to proceed now that he was striding toward her with such purpose.