CHAPTER 38 You're Disappointing Me

  Calista

  And boom.

  Everything that we shared, the laughter, the easy camaraderie- it all vanished in an instant. Now, at this moment. It all felt awkward, and I didn't even know what to say, but I tried to form a new word.

  "Draven..." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I set the plate down on the table. His eyes locked onto mine, I could see in his eyes that he was waiting for my answer by acting nonchalant.

  He was waiting for my response, and the weight of his gaze felt like a physical pressure on my chest. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I needed to say.

  "The thing is," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "I need to be honest with you." I could see his brow furrow slightly, the muscles in his jaw tensing. "I need more time to think about it because... well, Zane has also invited me to this ball. And I hope you'll understand and give me some time to decide."