Maria.
"Come on, Maria, no need to look all serious."
Vincent's voice came out light, almost playful, as if the tension from a moment ago had never existed. Just like that, he brushed everything off, a smile spreading easily across his face as though he hadn't said anything out of place.
"Everyone seems to know you both are engaged," he continued, shrugging slightly, his tone casual. "So I thought he might think I'm stealing you from him."
I blinked.
Then slowly, I let out a quiet breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The tightness in my chest eased just a little, relief washing over me at his explanation.
But still…Something felt off.
The sudden shift in his demeanor was too quick, too smooth, like he had flipped a switch and expected me to follow along without question.
I studied him for a second longer, trying to make sense of it.
