Knowing her reasons was important to Ferdinand so he decided to ask.
"Then, what are the other reasons?" Ferdinand asked, internally bracing himself in case she didn't say what he wanted to hear.
Arabella cupped his face with both hands and made him meet her gaze.
Ferdinand realized he had looked away in fear of disappointment.
He knew he should not be greedy and remain satisfied with what they already have, but he couldn't help but long for more.
"It's because I missed you," Arabella said, and Ferdinand gulped.
His heart raced immediately.
Of course, this was what he wanted to believe so it was easy for him to respond and be elated with it.
But Ferdinand didn't let go of his reason so easily this time.
He held back to verify.
"You mean it? You didn't say it because you heard my thoughts?"
"I mean it. So there's nothing to fear at all. Because it was my main reason for initiating tonight," Arabella said in a gentle voice and smiled warmly.
